The spray program for gypsy moths has been decreasing in scope for the last few years. The Primary cause of this decrease is the introduction of two naturally occurring pathogens. The first is a virus sometimes referred to as a wilt. NUCLEOPOLYHEDROSIS VIRUS. is named for the shape of the protein that surrounds the DNA of the virus. It is believed that this virus is responsible for past population crashes.

The second pathogen is a naturally occurring fungus found in Japan. There was an abortive effort to introduce the fungus in the US in 1904. In 1989 the fungus, named Entomophaga maimaiga, appeared in the New England states and was apparently responsible for a massive die off of Gypsy moth larva. If the fungus had just been dormant for the last 90 years, or maybe it was some shrubs with root balls that had been imported from Japan, but finally the fungus was naturalized. The result has been a decimation of the gypsy moth population in this part of the country. We will continue to be available for surveys of possible problem area and give advice on treatment of infestations.

The Black fly spraying program is a joint effort of Venango County and D.E.P. of Pennsylvania. Field personnel of the D.E. P. Monitor the black fly populations along the major waterways in the county. These include French Creek, Sandy Creek, Oil Creek, Sugar Creek and of course the Allegheny River. When the populations reach a predetermined level, (nuisance level) the D.E.P. Orders spraying of the affected stream.

The State has contracts with aerial applicators that will then spray the designated waterways. The contractors use a product called Bacillus Thuringiensis Israeliensis (BTI). It is a naturally occurring bacteria found in aquatic soils around the world. It is a safe and effective alternative to the use of chemical insecticides.

Spray notification is unavoidably short. With the variables of weather and stream conditions to contend with a two day notice of spraying is all that can be managed.