| WHAT ARE MOSQUITO
FISH
 Gambusia
affinis, called mosquito fish, are indispensable to our mosquito
control program. They eat mosquito larvae as fast as they hatch
from eggs. Mosquito fish are furnished without charge for stocking
ornamental ponds, unused or "out-of-order" swimming
pools, and animal water troughs. They should never be placed
in any natural habitat, such as: lakes, streams, rivers, creeks,
etc. They require no feeding and care is limited to protecting
them from garden sprays and from chlorine or other chemicals
used to clean the pond. Mosquito fish do not lay eggs, but rather
give birth to live young. These fish, therefore, require no
special environment, as most other fishes do, for depositing
and hatching the eggs.
HOW MANY MOSQUITO FISH WILL I NEED?
 Mosquito
larvae breathe at the water's surface, so they are found near
the surface. Thus, surface area determines how many fish you
will need. A good estimate is that 6 mosquito fish will take
care of a pond 6 feet by 8 feet (surface area of 48 feet). So,
if your pond has twice that surface area, get 12 fish, if pond
has three times that surface area, get 18 fish, and so forth.
HOW CAN I GET MOSQUITO FISH?
Mosquito fish can be obtained from the West Umatilla Vector
Control District. Call ahead to be sure they have fish on the
day you wish to pick them up (phone number is listed below).
YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN THE DISTRICT TO RECEIVE MOSQUITO FISH!
Remember to call ahead to see if fish are available: (541)
567-5201
Hours are: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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