Health Dept. Offering Free Fish To Fight Mosquitos

(Memphis) – The West Nile Virus has people in the Mid-South concerned.

That’s why Wally Wicke came by Vector Control to pick up a free bag of mosquito fish.

They are known for eating mosquito larvae and Wicke has two ponds in his backyard, “There are larvae in the water and so that has to be eliminated.”

Vector Control Manager Dan Sprenger added, “They’re very good mosquito eaters and so they’ve been used in mosquito control for quite a long time.”

With three people getting the West Nile Virus here in Shelby County, Sprenger says demand for the mosquito fish has picked up drastically.

“We’re about in the middle of this outbreak,” said Sprenger. “We still have a long way to go and most of the human cases are going to occur in this month and next month.”

Sprenger says prepare yourself.

He believes the fish will help fight the problem, but says people can play it safe by staying indoors during the evening and wearing an insect repellent with Deet when you go outdside.

Anyone who could benefit from the mosquito fish can by Vector Control on Central Avenue.

The fish are free, but all they ask is that you bring a Ziploc baggy.