Small fish can be placed in your water trough or pond to fight mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are a persistent problem in many climates. If you have a pond or water trough in your garden, you could be providing them with a breeding ground.
You don't have to spray your yard with poisons to get rid of mosquitoes, though. Instead you can decorate your water feature with living fish that will kill the mosquitoes for you. Several varieties of fish make eating mosquito larvae a major part of their day. Does this Spark an idea?
Mosquitofish
Many cities deliver mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) to homeowners who request them. According to the Alameda County, Calif., Mosquito Abatement Task Force, mosquitofish are very effective in reducing mosquito populations because they eat as many as 100 mosquito larvae per day.
The fish are prolific, producing three or four broods each year, and live for two or three years. They prefer sunlit waters and can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but tend to become inactive when the water temperature drops below 41 degrees. Shallow water can cause problems for them, so they may not be the best option for a shallow water trough.
Rosy Reds
Robin Rhudy, an expert on fish for ponds and aquariums, has dedicated a website to the Rosy Red, otherwise known as the Fathead minnow. According to Rhudy, this fish is dedicated to eating mosquito larvae. In addition, Rosy Reds can survive a wide range of water temperatures, can handle slight salinity in the water, require no special care and are attractive.
Other Options
The University of Florida has compiled a list of freshwater fish of varying sizes that feed on mosquitoes and their close cousins. These fish include the mudminnow, the killfish, the topminnow, the molly and numerous varieties of sunfish. These fish are specific to the Southern coastal areas.
Most cities and states encourage homeowners to take an active role in mosquito control and can provide a similar list specific to your area. They may even provide you with the fish.
Tags: mosquito larvae, water trough, eating mosquito, eating mosquito larvae, Rosy Reds, survive wide