Delegate Long “Midge Treatment Going Well”

-The following article was submitted by Sixth District Delegate Bob Long about the Midge Treatment at Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant-

Baltimore County announced last week that it began treatment for midge larvae around Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The partnership between Maryland Department of Agriculture and Baltimore County is a continuation from last year.

They are using a treatment method called Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) a bacterium that kills midges and other nuisance insects.  It is safe for humans, pets, other animals, fish, crabs and honeybees.  According to the CDC ,  Bti has been used over 30 years for mosquito control.

Along with the air quality from the plant, midges have been another concern from the community.    Even though they are not a public health concern because they do not transmit diseases, they can have a huge impact on the quality of life in a community.

The county reported that the midge population decreased dramatically last year after using this treatment.  We expect continued success this year.  This is great news as the start of summer season kicked off with Memorial Day and we will be spending more time enjoying the outdoors.