Hunterdon County Commissioners sign shared services agreement with PA DEP to address black flies along Delaware River
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – The Hunterdon County Commissioners recently received an update on the shared service agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to address the black fly nuisance along the Delaware River corridor.
The board has continued their support to reduce black flies, also known as “gnats,” throughout the county by partnering with PADEP’s regular spraying cycles on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River.
The treatment used is an environmentally safe compound that is applied throughout the summer months to reduce adult insect activity and combat the growing larvae populations.
Commissioner Shaun C. Van Doren, who serves as the liaison to the Health Department said, “Black flies are often mentioned by residents and visitors as being ‘horrible’ and making backyard picnics, gardening, and general recreation unpleasant, as these bugs bite individuals trying to enjoy the outdoors. We appreciate the County’s Department of Health and their efforts in partnering with the PADEP to help reduce the black fly problem and significantly improve the quality of life for residents throughout the county.”
Black fly control utilizes helicopter applications of a nontoxic, bacterial product which kills the immature larval of the black fly when they feed on it in waterways. The application is safe for humans, and all other wildlife including fish found in the treated waterways.
The aerial black fly suppression process has been in operation since the late 1990’s, when the PA DEP obtained a permit to reduce adult gnat populations by spraying the river. Drifting of any treatment sprayed is minimal, since the helicopter flies low near tree top level, avoiding people and boats and releases at various predetermined positions on the river.
The next scheduled aerial spray will take place on Thursday, Sept. 12.
“Black flies are a nuisance for anyone involved in outdoor activities. Controlling the black fly population provides relief for businesses, residents, and visitors to Hunterdon County,” Van Doren said.
