West Nile Virus: Control Mosquito Population with Rosy Minnows

The first West Vile victim of the year in Contra Costa County was confirmed last week.  Thankfully she is reported only mildly ill, and is expected to make a full recovery.  To read the full article, click here.

Photo: Rosy Minnows

To help combat the spread of this disease, please eliminate potential breeding sites for mosquitos.  Mosquitos only need a few tablespoons of water to complete a life cycle.  For those of you who have ponds, consider purchasing mosquito-eating fish.  

I purchased rosy minnows at our local pet shop for our two small ponds.  They only cost 10 cents each, and I purchased $2 worth of fish for our two ponds!  I have had them for about a year, and I have not seen any mosquito larvae since introducing them to the ponds.  I do not have to feed them because they get plenty of food from the pond, and I also do not have to do anything extra to treat the water.  I definitely prefer keeping these pretty little fish over chemically treating the water for mosquito larvae.    

Free Mosquitofish.  Contra Costa County's Mosquito and Vector Control District is also offering free mosquitofish to its residents.  If you do not live in Contra Costa County, try checking your local Mosquito & Vector Control District or go to your local pet shop and purchase rosy minnows as a substitute.

Report Neglected Pools.  Neglected pools, spas and ornamental ponds are a big problem with the rising foreclosure rates.  Contra Costa Residents can report neglected pools here.  

More Information on West Vile Nirus.  For more information about the West Vile Virus and how to protect yourself, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.