Annapolis, MD (JK) – Residents and visitors along the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry can expect to see a low-flying helicopter Wednesday morning as Maryland officials conduct a scheduled black fly control operation.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture, working with the Department of Natural Resources, will treat a targeted section of the river between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24.
A blue-and-gray Bell 206 Long Ranger helicopter, tail number 651HA, will apply a larvicide containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, commonly known as Bti. The product is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that specifically targets black fly larvae, mosquito larvae, midge larvae and a small number of other aquatic insects.
Officials say the treatment may temporarily discolor the water but will dissipate naturally. The application is not expected to affect drinking water supplies, fish, crabs or other aquatic organisms outside the targeted insect groups.
Maryland launched its Black Fly Program in 2016 in response to persistent complaints about nuisance black flies in Washington County. The state says the program is designed to reduce biting black fly populations while minimizing impacts on the surrounding environment.
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