HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County residents will have ten chances to pick up free mosquito fish this summer at events across the county to help fight mosquitoes on their property.
The free mosquito fish giveaways are for Hillsborough residents with intentional standing water like koi ponds or other bodies of water that are filled 12 months a year.
Mosquito fish fight mosquitoes before the insects can bite by eating mosquito larvae. They are small enough to hide from predators, and their favorite food is mosquito larvae.
In the news: Florida Department Of Health In Polk County Issues Mosquito-Borne Illness Alert
The free mosquito fish giveaway events begin May 6 at the County’s Mosquito Management office, 6527 Eureka Springs Rd., Tampa, FL 33610.
Hillsborough operates its own mosquito fish hatchery to breed healthy fish for the giveaways. The result has been healthier fish with a greater survival rate.
The Mosquito Management Services educational trailer will be on-site at each event to help residents learn about eliminating mosquitoes and to illustrate the work Hillsborough County does to keep residents healthy and safe.
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.
In the news: Florida Department Of Health Urging Residents To ‘Fight The Bite’ Of The Mosquito
Mosquito fish facts
- Mosquito fish are small, native freshwater fish that eat mosquito larvae.
- Place the fish in intentional 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 the County’s entire mosquito fish supply to be raised at its headquarters, making the operation more sustainable as homegrown fish are more likely to be healthier than fish transported from farms.
Schedule and locations
The Mosquito Management Services Public Education Trailer will be on-site at the mosquito fish giveaway locations from 8 a.m. to noon on the following Saturdays:
May 6, 2023: Mosquito Management Services: 6527 Eureka Springs Rd., Tampa, FL 33610
May 20, 2023: Traffic Management Center: 2310 Regional Water Ln., Tampa, FL 33619
June 10, 2023: Keith Waller Park, 1318 Sydney Dover Rd., Dover, FL 33527
June 24, 2023: Northdale Park, 15550 Spring Pine Dr., Tampa, FL 33624
July 8, 2023: Gadsden Park, 6901 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, FL 33611
July 22, 2023: Fishhawk Sports Complex, 16000 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia, FL 33547
August 5, 2023: Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, 766 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd., Lutz, FL 33548
August 19, 2023: Keystone Rec Center, 17928 Gunn Hwy., Odessa, FL 33556
Sept. 9, 2023: Southshore Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
Sept. 23, 2023: Providence Skate Park, 5720 Providence Rd.,Riverview, FL 33578
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.