Officials report the process does not use chemicals
Annapolis, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture with the Department of Natural Resources will treat sections of the Potomac River to control black fly populations.
The treatment is scheduled for 8:30am on Thursday, July 25 and will cause a possible temporary discoloration of the water, but is non-harmful to humans, fish, crabs, and other invertebrates.
The department reports the treatment will use a larvicide containing a naturally occurring bacterial insecticide that is only harmful to organisms such as midge, black fly, mosquito larvae and some other aquatic insects.
The insecticide will be applied via helicopter and will treat the Potomac river area from Harpers Ferry to Brunswick and the Williamsport area.
More information can be found at https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/Black-Fly-Program.aspx
By Timothy Young