HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY OFFERING FREE FISH TO COMBAT MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES
HILLSBOROUGH CO., Fla. — With the recent rise in malaria cases in Sarasota, Hillsborough County is taking action to reduce the breeding of mosquitoes in Tampa Bay. County staff are offering free mosquito fish to residents in an effort to control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
The county has been offering fish giveaways for a few years now, with last year’s distribution reaching a total of 17,000 fish. The giveaways have been hugely successful, and more fish giveaways are scheduled to take place on Saturdays this year until September 23.
Paolo Pecora, the project coordinator for Mosquito Management Services with Hillsborough County, is passionate about providing public health benefits to residents. “Being a Tampa native myself, I’m happy to work for Hillsborough County government,” he said.
The fish being distributed by the county are eastern mosquito fish. Although they are small, they are effective in controlling the mosquito population. Eastern mosquito fish are top feeders, meaning they feed on mosquito larvae, preventing them from maturing into adults and biting people. These fish reproduce quickly and consume up to 100 mosquitoes per day.
Residents are supportive of Hillsborough County’s efforts. Robert Soriano and Zhemya Nichols, who received the fish, expressed their concern about the diseases that mosquitoes carry and their willingness to help combat the problem.
Mosquitoes require water for their life cycle, and by removing water habitats from their homes or properties, residents can prevent the mosquitoes from propagating and expanding. Pecora believes that this message can go a long way in ensuring everyone’s safety.
Residents throughout Hillsborough County can pick up free fish at a mobile fish site. The next distribution will take place on July 22 at the Fishhawk Sports Complex. Other distribution dates include August 5 at Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, August 19 at Keystone Park, September 9 at Southshore Regional Library, and September 23 at Providence Skate Park. The fish will be available from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on each of these Saturdays.
With the county’s proactive measures and the involvement of its residents, Hillsborough County is making significant strides in reducing the number of mosquitoes in the Bay Area and protecting the community from mosquito-borne diseases.