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Hillsborough County offering free mosquito fish to reduce the mosquito population

Hillsborough County seeing more mosquitoes
Posted at 9:39 AM, Jul 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-11 10:35:27-04

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Summer rains help create the perfect opportunity for mosquitoes to breed in the Tampa Bay area.

Hillsborough County is offering residents the opportunity to naturally reduce the mosquito population.

RELATED: 'Mosquito fish' could help you prevent a Zika outbreak in the Tampa Bay region

Mosquito fish are small, native freshwater fish that eat mosquito larvae.

You place the fish in backyard ponds, birdbaths, fountains, animal troughs, unused swimming pools and other standing water. They help reduce the adult mosquito population and control the spread of mosquito-borne disease.

On the following Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the mobile mosquito fish truck will distribute free fish and advice in these areas:

  • July 13 – Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay, 9330 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa
  • July 27 – Southshore Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin
  • August 10 – Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa
  • August 24 – Mike E. Sansone Community Park, 1702 N. Park Road, Plant City
  • September 7 – Gardenville Recreation Center, 6215 Symmes Road, Gibsonton
  • September 21 – Picnic Island Park, 7409 Picnic Island Blvd., Tampa

You will need to bring a photo ID showing residence in Hillsborough County to receive the fish. The fish are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Hillsborough County's Mosquito Management division works to reduce mosquitoes in the county. You can read the agency's four tips on preventing mosquito bites and 13 places you might find standing water by clicking here.