When it comes to mosquito prevention, the general recommendation is to avoid standing water sources. But what to do if you have a backyard pond or birdbath? Here’s where a tiny yet formidable (and terribly hungry) ally can come to your rescue. Here’s how to use mosquitofish in your backyard to fight those pesky mosquitoes.
What is a Mosquitofish?
Mosquitofish is the term used to describe two species of native fish known for their voracious appetite for mosquito larvae:
- The western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis): Native to the Mississippi drainage basin. Ranges from Kansas to southern Illinois on the northern extent of its range southward to rivers draining into the Gulf of Mexico, from Mobile Bay to San Antonio Bay, as well as inland drainages south of the Rio Grande.
- The eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki): Native to the eastern coast of the U.S., east of the Appalachian Mountains. Its distribution ranges from Florida west to southern Alabama and northwards up to southern New Jersey.
Nowadays, both species are the most widespread freshwater fish in the world. They are commonly found in shallow, still waters with dense vegetation. That alone makes them a great addition to ornamental ponds. But you know who else loves standing water? You guessed it, mosquitoes.
And that’s why mosquitofish are a valuable ally in the fight against mosquitoes in your backyard. Mosquitofish:
- Provide a method of biological control of mosquito populations
- Require little maintenance while still being effective in eliminating mosquito larvae and pupae
- Promote healthier and safer communities by reducing the mosquito population
But how does reducing mosquito populations make a difference in the community? Read along to find out.
Mosquito Larvae and Why They’re a Problem
Standing water is the perfect mosquito breeding ground. Your out-of-use swimming pool or birdbath is seen by the female mosquito as a comfy nursery to lay her eggs. From spring through fall, the warm temperatures make the habitat cozy enough for the mosquito eggs to hatch into larvae.
As you might expect, these larvae will eventually become adult mosquitoes. The female adult mosquitoes are the ones that will bite you for a snack (males feed exclusively on plant nectar). But itchiness and swelling are not the only problems with mosquito bites. These little vampires are known carriers of many diseases:
- Malaria
- Dengue fever
- Zika virus
- West Nile virus
- St. Louis encephalitis
And these are just some of the mosquito-borne diseases that can affect you and your family. So investing in a mosquito control program is not just for your comfort, but also to promote the health of your home and neighborhood. The good news is that we have some hungry allies at our side: Mosquito larvae are a delicacy to the mosquitofishes’ palate.
How to Use Mosquitofish in Your Backyard
Now that we went through the “why,” let’s get started with the “how.” Here’s how to use mosquitofish in your backyard.
Where to Use Mosquitofish
First and foremost, mosquitofish cannot be added to any water environment. Because of their preference for still, shallow waters, mosquitofish should be used in:
- Swimming pools that are out of use or “green”
- Ornamental fountains
- Ornamental ponds
- Birdbaths and water troughs
An important note: Mosquitofish should never be placed in natural habitats (natural lakes, creeks, or rivers). Their presence in habitats where they’re not originally from can cause a serious disturbance to the local environment.
How to Introduce Mosquitofish
Just like any pet, mosquitofish need some time to adapt to their new habitat. In their case, it takes literally 15 minutes.
- Initially, keep the mosquitofish in the same container they came in by placing the container directly in the new pond, fountain, or pool.
- Wait for around 15 minutes, until the container’s temperature reaches the same temperature as the pond.
- Finally, you can free your little friends into their new water home.
How to Care for Mosquitofish
Caring for mosquitofish is one of the easiest jobs around, but you’ll need to know how to manage their water and feeding beforehand:
- Water: Mosquitofish prefer a water temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but can tolerate temperatures as low as 33 degrees and as high as 104 degrees.
It’s important to emphasize that chlorine, insect sprays, and other chemicals should not be added to their water since they can kill mosquitofish.
- Feeding: Mosquitofish are gluttonous little fellas, and will eat whatever comes their way when hungry (even other fishes and small invertebrates). If their environment is enriched with aquatic plants, you won’t have to worry about feeding them that much.
During warmer months, when it is mosquito breeding season, the larvae populating their water will serve as their food source along with this vegetation. An adult mosquitofish can eat up to 500 mosquito larvae per day. Who would deny a free lunch?
In case there is no natural food source in their habitat, feeding them with fish flakes will suffice. But be careful if you have other fishes living along with Gambusia since it can eat goldfish and koi fish eggs.
Pro tip: Many Vector Control district programs offer free mosquitofish for their residents. Check with your local program about this possibility for a free and eco-friendly mosquito control option.
FAQ
No, guppies and mosquitofish are not the same fish, although they are in the same family. Guppy fish can also be used as part of your backyard mosquito control since they also feed on mosquito larvae.
A good rule of thumb is a maximum of one fish per 2 to 5 gallons of water. For ponds with a surface area smaller than 200 square feet, three to five fish are enough.
Yes, mosquitofish can be aggressive and eat other small fish. And although they can live alongside other fish species, such as the carp, they can also be prey for bigger fishes. So if they are living with larger fish species, enrich their habitat with rocks and vegetation they can use as hiding places.
Mosquitofish live for about a year.
Not Even Captain America Fights Alone
Tired of dealing with your backyard mosquito problem alone? Remember: You don’t have to. If even Captain America counted on his friends to fight Thanos, why not count on some help to fight the mosquito threat in your backyard? Pest Gnome connects you to the best pest control experts in your area, so get in touch!
Main Photo Credit: angeluisma / Canva Pro / License
