Collier County residents are once again facing the itch, buzz, and bites that come with Florida’s rainy season.
To help combat the mosquito population, the Collier Mosquito Control District is once again handing out mosquitofish, a native species known for feeding on mosquito larvae.
These mosquitofish are capable of eating up to 100 mosquito larvae per day, helping prevent biting adult mosquitoes. The district has been distributing them since 2019 as a sustainable and natural way to control mosquito populations locally.
“You can use them in standing water, flooded yards, ditches, swales,” said Rachel Bales, a biologist with the Collier Mosquito Control District. “They are a native fish to Florida, so we like to say they're from here for here.”
Bales says the program has been successful over the years.
“We've had very positive response from the public," Bales said.
It only takes four to seven days for a larva to turn into a full-grown biting adult during the summer. The district recommends dumping out standing water at least once a week, including buckets, flower pots, and anything else that can collect rain.
“These fish should go in small stagnant bodies of water. Anything around your property that you can't otherwise dump or cover—just add a few fish in,” Bales said.
Residents interested in picking up mosquito fish can stop by Baker Park on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. while supplies last. If you can't make it, check here for other days and locations.
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