Collier Mosquito Control District using fish to fight the bite

The Collier Mosquito Control District is adding a new weapon to its arsenal: fish.

Gambusia holbrooki, more commonly known as the Eastern mosquitofish, is a freshwater fish species native to Southwest Florida. As its name implies, the mosquitofish feasts on mosquito larvae, consuming up to 100 larvae each day.

Its voracious appetite and small size — adults average 1½ to 2½ inches — make the mosquitofish the perfect tool to fight one of Florida's peskiest residents. The fish are resilient, too; they can tolerate poor water quality and a wide range of temperatures.

The Collier Mosquito Control District biologists have been breeding the fish — too numerous to count — in a 300-gallon enclosure and soon will invite the public to take a few fish home free of charge.

"People can put them in ditches that flood, birdbaths or other areas of standing water," said district spokeswoman Robin King. “While the fish won’t eliminate all the mosquitoes, they can make a difference in a small area.”

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The new program is part of the district's increased efforts to eradicate mosquitoes while they're still in the larvae stage.

"We've increased our larviciding efforts 250 percent over last year, and it's providing great effectiveness in some areas," said Patrick Linn, executive director of the district.

It's important that residents do their part as well and drain any containers of standing water around their homes at least once a week.

Collier County has 40 mosquito species that fall into two categories: freshwater and salt marsh. 

“There is no such thing as a typical year," Linn said. "However, I will say that this year is certainly quite the opposite of last year. The number of salt marsh mosquitoes are very, very low compared to last year, almost nonexistent."

The freshwater population also started off small, but that's starting to change as eggs hatch and larvae mature.

"What we are seeing now is pockets of freshwater species," King said. "It’s not widespread, but there are enough pockets that it’s starting to be a problem and the numbers are creeping up."

More:Lee busy fighting mosquitoes, Collier not as much

More:Collier County's mosquito population low compared to last year

That's where the fish come in.

People throughout the state and even around the world have long used mosquitofish to help control mosquito populations, King said, but this is the first year the Collier Mosquito Control District has added them to their arsenal. 

Collier County residents can pick up fish throughout July.

Scientists will be available to answer any questions and help people figure out how many fish they need, based on the size of the area in which they plan to put them, King said. Ponds that already have fish, canals and ditches where water is flowing or moving, and retention ponds with fountains are all unsuitable environments for mosquitofish.

There's also a word of caution for parents who plan to bring home some fish.

"Don't let your kids name them," King said. "If you put these fish in ditches near your home and then those ditches dry up ... just don't take them home and introduce them as a new pet."

Mosquitofish pickup

Where: Collier Mosquito Control District, 600 North Road, Naples

When: Mondays, 4 to 6 p.m.; Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m. to noon; Saturday, July 28, 9 a.m. to noon

Cost: Free

Information: 239-436-1000 or cmcd.org