Aerial black fly suppression operation to take place today

PA (WOLF) — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has created a black fly control program due to large populations of black flies interfering with tourism and outdoor recreation. The first aerial suppression operation will take place today.

According to a release by Luzerne County Manager Randy Robertson, the program will involve partnering with other counties that are affected.

An aerial black fly suppression operation is scheduled for today on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, Fishing Creek, Tunkhannock Creek, and the Chemung River.

The operation began in Columbia County around 8 AM on Tuesday and will work north to finish in Bradford County.

The flights will go over Columbia, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, and Bradford Counties.

According to the release, the helicopter will be a Bell 205 with the tail number N648HA and is painted white with red striping.

Helicopter Applicators Inc. will be dispersing Vectobac SC, which is a Bti product manufactured by Valent Biosciences.... [Vectobac SC] is a bacterial larvicide, not a chemical, and is the only product used in Pennsylvania's waterways for black fly suppression. Vectobac SC is a thick brown liquid resembling chocolate milk. The helicopter will fly low near tree top level and release the Vectobac SC at various predetermined positions on each river.

Anyone with questions is asked to contact PA-DEP at 570-826-2394 or visit their website.