Hillsborough County To Give Away Mosquito Larvae-Eating Fish

TAMPA, FL -- Hillsborough County is helping residents fight the perennial invasion of mosquitoes this summer by giving away mosquito larvae-eating fish to put in backyard ponds and fountains.

The fish, which are approximately 2½ inches in size, are put into backyard ponds, fountains and other standing water to eat larvae and help residents control the mosquito population. The county's program is aimed at curbing the spread of diseases like the Zika virus.

"Mosquito fish are small, native freshwater fish that eat mosquito larvae, and are ideal for controlling larvae in backyard ponds, birdbaths, fountains, animal troughs, unused swimming pools and other standing water," said the county in a press release. "They require no feeding and care is limited to protecting them from garden sprays, chlorine or other chemicals used for cleaning."

To take advantage of the offer, residents should visit one of the following locations and bring a valid photo ID proving their residency:

• June 10, 9 to 11 a.m. – New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa
• June 10, noon to 2 p.m. – Hillsborough County Mosquito Control, 6527 Eureka Springs Road in Tampa
• June 24, 9 to 11 a.m. – Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico
• June 24, noon to 2 p.m. – Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview
• July 8, 9 to 11 a.m. – Temple Terrace Public Library, 202 Bullard Parkway in Temple Terrace
• July 8, noon to 2 p.m. – Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. in Plant City
• July 22, 9 to 11 a.m. – SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
• July 22, noon to 2 p.m. – Hillsborough County Mosquito Control, 6527 Eureka Springs Road in Tampa

For more information, click here.

Image via Extension Service