Hillsborough Co. begins free mosquito fish program
RUSKIN (FOX 13) -
Recent rains have made conditions ideal for mosquitos to breed.
There are many ways to help alleviate the problem, like removing standing water near your home.
Starting Saturday, June 2, Hillsborough County has one more tool for residents to use against these pests.
The county is teaming up with the University of Florida to host weekly giveaways of so-called mosquito fish.
The fish are native to Florida and do well in small bodies of water.
Residents can pick them up for use in backyard ponds. Birdbaths, fountains, and other containers that are common breeding grounds for mosquito larvae.
The fish are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents must bring a photo ID with their address in the county to receive fish.
Hillsborough County residents may also pick up free mosquito fish on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until noon at UF’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory at 1408 24th St. S.E. in Ruskin.
Below is a list of scheduled fish giveaway events, in addition to the Wednesday giveaways at UF’s lab:
June 2: 9-11 a.m. - Northdale Park, 15550 Spring Pine Drive in Tampa
June 2: noon-2 p.m. - Trout Creek Wilderness Park, 12550 Morris Bridge Road in Thonotosassa
June 16: 9-11 a.m. - Mike E. Sansone Community Park, 1702 N. Park Road in Plant City
June 16: noon-2 p.m. - Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, 9625 Canoe Launch Loop in Lithia
June 30: 9 to 11 a.m. - Gardenville Recreation Center, 6215 Symmes Road in Gibsonton
June 30: noon-2 p.m. - Ruskin Recreation Center, 901 6th St. S.E. in Ruskin
July 14: 9-11 a.m. - Jackson Springs Park, 8620 Jackson Springs Road in Tampa
July 14: noon-2 p.m. - Picnic Island Park, 7409 Picnic Island Blvd. in Tampa
July 28: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. - Providence Skate Park, 5720 Providence Road in Riverview
August 11: 9-11 a.m. - Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway in Odessa
August 11: noon-2 p.m. - Lowry Park, 7525 North Boulevard in Tampa
August 25: 9 a.m.- noon - Temple Terrace Farmer’s Market, 11302 N. 56th St. in Temple Terrace