ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 30, 2025) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources, has announced plans to conduct a targeted treatment of the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia on Monday, June 30. This treatment is part of a pilot program aimed at controlling black fly populations in the area.

The MDA will be utilizing a Bell 206 Long Ranger helicopter with a green and white paint scheme and tail number N641HA to apply a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)-based larvicide. Bti is a naturally occurring bacteria found in soils and is known for its effectiveness in controlling insect populations. It specifically targets midge, black fly, and mosquito larvae as well as a few other aquatic Dipteran insects.

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While the treatment may cause temporary discoloration of the water, it is completely nontoxic and poses no harm to humans, fish, crabs or other aquatic invertebrates. The MDA has provided a fact sheet on Bti for those seeking more information.

The Black Fly Suppression Pilot Program was established in 2016 and has been successful in reducing black fly populations in targeted areas. For further details on the program, interested individuals can visit the MDA's website.

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