Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Sappey encouraged by state’s escalated response to Phorid flies in Chester County

Sappey encouraged by state’s escalated response to Phorid flies in Chester County

Rep. Christina Sappey    March 26, 2026 | 4:19 PM

HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Rep. Christina Sappey today said she is encouraged by actions announced Monday evening by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to combat phorid flies.

A quarantine order put in place in January 2025 for mushroom farms in New Garden and Kennett townships will now be expanded to include all of Chester County. The order will also include best management practice requirements and accountability measures. The Shapiro administration has made $1 million in state funds available to growers in need of resources to comply with the order through the Chester County Conservation District and has created an additional local staff position to monitor compliance and accountability.

“The increased resources the department is deploying to combat the phorid fly issue in our county demonstrate the high level of commitment necessary to support not only our residents but also our mushroom growers who are in need of resources,” Sappey said. “In particular, the accountability measures included in the order, combined with the continued research being done by Penn State, will deliver positive results for our southern Chester County communities.”

According to the updated order, growers must keep records of treatments and the number of insects present. In addition to steam treatment, growers must also implement one of five additional treatments that industry leaders and Penn State researchers have found to be effective in controlling the pests:

  • Exclusion and inclusion method - sealing entry points and eliminating attractants
  • Parasitic nematodes
  • Predatory mites
  • Adulticides – insecticides that kill adult flies
  • Long lasting insecticide nets

Over her term as state representative, Sappey has held several in-person and online public meetings to hear from residents struggling with phorids in their homes and to provide information and updates. The Department's announcement was delivered at the most recent online event, co-sponsored with state Rep. John Lawrence, state Sen. John Kane and state Sen. Carolyn Comitta on Monday, March 23. The meeting featured PDA Secretary Russell Redding and a research update from Penn State University School of Agricultural Sciences Dean Troy Ott, Dr. Jeffrey Hyde, and Dr. Mike Wolfin.

“Solutions grow out of collaboration, so I appreciate the administration’s responsiveness. I believe this escalated action will benefit residents, the business community, and the mushroom farms themselves,” Sappey said.

Mushroom farmers seeking financial assistance with implementing quarantine requirements may contact the Chester County Conservation District at 610-455-1381 to apply for grant funding.