Mosquito Fish Solution to Squatting Species


High foreclosure rates have resulted in abandoned homes which are becoming habitats for unpleasant occupants no one wants living next door—mosquitoes.

Many foreclosures have outdoor pools that become “green pools” referring to algae build-up from the lack of care. These algae-filled pools, jacuzzis and ponds can provide mosquitoes with both a home and breading ground.

This is a problem because in addition to their constant pestering and obnoxious itchy bites, mosquitoes can carry diseases, such as the West Nile Virus.

There are many ways to deal with mosquitoes. The traditional remedy involves pesticides and chemicals. However anti-mosquito chemicals can only work for about one to five months. A more long-term solution is the mosquito fish. Not only are they inexpensive, but a single female can deliver more than a hundred fry a season. In large bodies of waters the mosquitoes can clear out native fish, but in pools or ponds the fish come out on top and devour mosquitoes. A single mosquito fish can eat hundreds of larvae a day. This lasting solution works for up to two years. Many states give the fish to home owners or use them to clean abandoned pools.

The mosquito fish might not rid us of pesky mosquitoes completely, but it might be a helpful solution to decreasing the amount of places mosquitoes have to breed.

[Source: National Geographic ]

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