PHORID FLIES: what to do about them





PA Department of Agriculture Implements Quarantine on Mushroom Houses in Chester County to Control Spread of Phorid Fly.



This quarantine order requires the following:

  1. Treatment for all mushroom houses using best management practices through "steaming off" before, during, and after the grow cycle.
  2. Implementation of one additional verified treatment method outlined within the Quarantine Order in addition to the steaming off process.
  3. Monitor the number of Phorid Flies in each mushroom house.
  4. Comprehensive record-keeping of steaming off treatments and phorid fly population levels.




To lodge a complaint about Phorid flies in Pennsylvania quarantined areas, you should report it to the PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) Bureau of Plant Industry by calling 717-787-4843 or emailing RA-AGPhorid@pa.gov. The PDA is the main authority for quarantine compliance. Please include your name, contact information, the exact location of the fly problem, and a description of the infestation severity. All personal information will be kept confidential if requested.


OTHER DOCUMENTS OF INTEREST


PA Department of Agriculture Website


Frequently Asked Questions


Best Management Practices