Beginning May 6, Mosquito Management Services in Hillsborough County will give away free mosquito fish to residents. Mosquito fish giveaways are one of the tools used to reduce backyard mosquito breeding. All Hillsborough County residents are eligible for free fish, including those who live in Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City.
Mosquito fish facts
Mosquito fish are small, native freshwater fish that eat mosquito larvae. The best way to care for them is to place the fish in standing water such as backyard ponds, fountains, animal troughs, and unused swimming pools to manage mosquito populations effectively and naturally. 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.
Related: Have A New Mosquito Fish? Here’s How To Take Care Of It
Mosquito Management Services’ goal is for 100% of the County’s mosquito fish supply to be raised at its headquarters, making the operation more sustainable. Homegrown fish are more likely to be healthier than fish transported from farms.
Things to know about the events
- In order to receive your fish, you need a photo ID showing that you live in Hillsborough County.
- County staff will take your ID info and scan them into the County’s mosquito database by County staff.
- Fish will be available only while supplies last.
Schedule and locations
The Mosquito Management Public Education Trailer will also be on-site at the giveaway locations. The education trailer focuses on ways residents can help fight mosquitoes before they spread. Find more event information and additional locations here.
- May 6 – Mosquito Management Services, 6527 Eureka Springs Road, Tampa, FL 33610, 8 a.m. to noon
- May 20 – Hillsborough County Traffic Operations and Management, 2310 Regional Water Lane, Tampa, FL 33619, 9 a.m. to noon
- June 10 – Keith Waller Park, 1318 Sydney Dover Road, Dover, FL 33527, 8 a.m. to noon
- June 24 – Northdale Recreation Center, 15550 Spring Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33624, 8 a.m. to noon
- July 8 – Gadsden Park, 6901 South MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33611, 8 a.m. to noon
- July 22 – Fishhawk Sports Complex, 16000 Fishhawk Boulevard, Lithia, FL 33547, 8 a.m. to noon
- Aug. 5 – Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, 766 West Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz, FL 33548, 8 a.m. to noon
- Aug. 19 – Keystone Park, 17928 Gunn Highway, Odessa, FL 33556, 8 a.m. to noon
- Sept. 9 – Southshore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573, 8 a.m. to noon
- Sept. 23 – Providence Skate Park, 5720 Providence Road, Riverview, FL 33578, 8 a.m. to noon