Phorid Flies, traveling from mushroom farms to residential areas at the end of their life cycle, have plagued residents in southern Chester County for many years. This situation escalated after the US EPA rescinded approval for a key pesticide in 2012, making eradication of the flies very challenging. 

Entomology research to address phorid flies and their impact began at Penn State shortly after the EPA ruling and continues to make significant progress. In addition to this research, the private sector is also working to find solutions, such as treated netting, similar to malaria netting, for farm and residential use. Other manufacturers are working toward organic pesticide treatments safe for farm and residential use. 

Every year since taking office as a State Representative, I have participated in Phorid Fly Action Committee (PFAC) meetings and continue to make annual requests to increase the PA Department of Agriculture's Phorid Fly research line item in the State Budget. I have taken a wholistic approach to this fight, regularly engaging with residents, the mushroom industry, the PA Department of Agriculture, the office of PA Governor, Penn State University, and private manufacturers to address the phorid fly crisis, and I will continue to until this issue is resolved. 

History

2025

2024

  • Participated in community meeting in Kennett Square Borough. Provided current status of Phorid mitigation efforts from State perspective.

2023

2021

2020

  • Met with Penn State’s Dean of Agricultural Sciences and government relations officials in March to discuss long term plans for mitigation efforts.

  • Summer 2020 Newsletter

2019

  • Hosted public round table discussion on phorid flies with updates from American Mushroom Institute, Penn State and PA Department of Agriculture on Phorid Flies in November.

Resources

  • Phorid Fly Community Facebook Page

  • Phorid Fly Action Committee (PFAC):

    • Informal community group which meets periodically to discuss current phorid fly research and updates from stakeholders involved with mitigation efforts.
    • Please contact Colin Carson for details about joining their meetings: marionty1@comcast.net.

  • Penn State University Mushroom Phorid Fly Hotline: 1-833-574-6743.

    • For questions about phorid flies either in your home or business, report this to the hotline. Information received will assist with ongoing research and testing being conducted by Penn State.

  • Rep. Sappey E-Newsletter Communications

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