The PA Department of Environmental Protection is ready to do battle with black flies, known to some as gnats.
Officials say it’s an effort to make outdoor recreation more enjoyable for Pennsylvanians.
Starting this week, spraying will take place, weather permitting, along 48 rivers and streams totaling more than 1,700 miles in 35 counties. Treatments cannot take place during periods of heavy rain or when water levels are too high.
In addition, state environmental officials will notify county and local emergency management agencies prior to any spraying taking place. However, Butler County emergency services officials say that information is not available to be released to the public.