Hillsborough County, Fla. (April 23, 2025) - As the rainy season ramps up, mosquitoes have the perfect breeding ground. To combat mosquito population growth, Hillsborough County gives away free mosquitofish to residents who have intentional standing water on their property. Mosquitofish are an environmentally friendly way to cut back the mosquito population.
Residents can visit with mosquito scientists, learn about how to protect themselves and take home a bag of mosquitofish if they qualify. The fish prevent the spread of mosquitoes by eating mosquito larvae so that they never grow up to become biting mosquitoes.
Mosquitofish are best suited for residences with ornamental ponds or other small bodies of water that remain full all year. The mosquito management team will ask residents where they intend to release the fish to ensure the mosquitofish will be able to thrive.
The annual mosquitofish giveaway events are free for anyone who lives in Hillsborough County.
Things to know about the events:
- To receive fish, bring a photo ID showing you live in Hillsborough County.
- Staff will scan or enter your ID information into the County's mosquito database. After that step is completed, you will move up to next station to receive your mosquitofish.
- There are limited quantities. Mosquitofish are available while supplies last.
Mosquitofish facts
- Mosquitofish are small, native freshwater fish that eat mosquito larvae.
- Place fish in standing water such as backyard ponds, fountains, animal troughs, and unused swimming pools to effectively and naturally manage mosquito populations.
- They require no feeding, and care is limited to protecting them from garden sprays, chlorine, or other chemicals used for cleaning.
- Mosquitofish do not lay eggs and require no special environment for breeding.
- All of the County's mosquitofish are raised at Mosquito Management Services headquarters, making the operation more sustainable.
- Homegrown fish are more likely to be healthier than fish transported from farms.
2025 schedule and locations
Mosquitofish will be available, unless otherwise noted, from 8 a.m. to noon on the following Saturdays:
April 26 - (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) - Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33617
May 17 - Southshore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
June 21 - Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, 766 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd., Lutz, FL 33548
July 19 - Fishhawk Sports Complex, 16000 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia, FL 33547
Aug. 23 - Northdale Park & Recreation Center, 15510 Hooting Owls Pl., Tampa, FL 33624
Visit HCFL.gov/Mosquito to learn more about mosquito spraying, the County's mosquito management program, find information on how to prevent mosquitoes, and more.