Hillsborough County Mosquito Control is teaming up with the University of Florida to host weekly mosquito fish giveaways for Hillsborough County residents.
Beginning July 12, 2017, residents may pick up free mosquito fish on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at UF’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory located at 1408 24th St. S.E. in Ruskin.
Residents can pick up limited quantities of free mosquito fish for use in:
- backyard ponds
- birdbaths
- fountains
- abandoned swimming pools
- rain barrel
- other artificial containers that are common breeding sites for mosquito larvae.
The fish are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be provided in temporary plastic travel bags, along with instructions for introducing them to their new environment.
According to the Hillsborough County government website, the fish can help stop the spread of common viruses spread by mosquitoes. By eating hatchlings before they turn into adult mosquitoes, the fish help control insects that can carry West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and Zika. Mosquito Control is distributing gambusia affinis at no charge.
The University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory is located in Ruskin. More information can be found here.
Residents need to show a photo ID showing their local address to receive fish. Supplies are limited.
