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Hillsborough county helps residents fight mosquitoes with free fish

Hillsborough County's mosquito fish giveaway events kick off as mosquito breeding season begins

Starting May 7, Mosquito Management Services will give away free mosquito fish to residents to help reduce backyard mosquito breeding.

All Hillsborough County residents are eligible for free fish, including those who live in Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City.

Hillsborough County is providing the free fish as an effective, natural way for residents to control the spread of mosquito-borne disease.

Things to know about the events

  • To receive fish, you need a photo ID showing that you live in Hillsborough County.
  • County staff will scan or enter your ID information into the County's mosquito database.
  • Quantities are limited, and mosquito fish will be available only while supplies last.

Mosquito fish facts

  • Mosquito fish are small, native freshwater fish that eat mosquito larvae.
  • Place the fish in standing water such as backyard ponds, fountains, animal troughs, and unused swimming pools to effectively and naturally manage mosquito populations.
  • The fish require no feeding, and care is limited to protecting them from garden sprays, chlorine, or other chemicals used for cleaning.
  • Mosquito fish do not lay eggs and require no special environment for breeding.
  • Mosquito Management Services' goal is for 100% of the County's mosquito fish supply to be raised at Mosquito Management Services headquarters, making the operation more sustainable.
  • Homegrown fish are more likely to be healthier than fish transported from farms.

For schedule and locations, visit the link below.