HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County is handing out a secret weapon to local residents this weekend: thousands of tiny, larvae-munching fish.
The county’s Mosquito Management team will set up shop at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center this Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. until noon. The goal is to get native mosquitofish into backyard ponds, fountains, and rain barrels before the summer swarm begins.
These native freshwater fish act as a natural defense system by eating mosquito larvae and pupae before they can hatch into biting adults.
Raised in custom aquaculture tanks by the county, the fish are hardy, require no feeding, and reproduce quickly on their own once they are settled in a permanent water feature.
Residents who want to pick up a batch of fish must bring a valid photo ID to prove they live in Hillsborough County. Staff will scan the ID into the county’s database before handing over the fish.
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Along with the giveaway, families can visit a mobile education lab on-site to get a closer look at mosquito behavior and learn other ways to keep their yards clear of pests.
If you can’t make it to New Tampa this weekend, the county has three more giveaways scheduled through the summer.
The team will be at the FishHawk Sports Complex on June 13, the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library on July 18, and Northdale Park on August 15. All events run from 8 a.m. to noon, though officials noted that quantities are limited and the fish are only available while supplies last.
To keep the fish healthy once you get them home, experts say to keep them away from garden sprays, chlorine, and cleaning chemicals. Otherwise, they are low-maintenance residents that can live in everything from unused swimming pools to animal troughs.
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