VECTOR CONTROL HAS MOVED! Mosquito Eating Fish Available

VECTOR CONTROL HAS MOVED!

Mosquito Eating Fish Still Available

PHOENIX — Environmental Services Vector Control has moved to 3220 W. Gibson Lane, Suite 500, Phoenix AZ 85009.  It’s located on the northeast corner of the parking garage, first floor, behind the Marisol Credit Union.  There is ample parking for visitors in the section marked. 

Vector Control is the Maricopa County Environmental Services department’s division that investigates citizen complaints dealing with mosquitoes, flies and non-native rodents.   Vector Control inspectors identify routine breeding sites and apply the appropriate treatments. They also perform surveillance activities to identify new or potential breeding sites, and work in conjunction with State officials in monitoring and testing of mosquito samples that are collected on a monthly basis and tested for arboviruses.

“This new facility allows Vector Control to grow and provide an even better service to the community in our fight against West Nile virus”, says John Power, director of the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.  “We are dedicating more resources and personnel to accomplish our department’s mission and goal to prevent and remove environmental risks to the residents of Maricopa County”, Power added. 

At the same time, Maricopa County residents are still able to take advantage of the free mosquito eating fish (Gambusia) – No charge!  All you have to do is contact us at (602) 506-0700 and bring a container that can hold about a gallon of water as plastic bags are not suitable. 

Gambusia fish are used to effectively control mosquito breeding and are ideal for any body of water that does NOT dry up (fish need water!).  These include ponds, pools, golf courses, canals, creeks, lakes, and fountains. 

Gambusia can ingest up to 5000 mosquito larvae in 11 weeks.  An adult female can consume several hundred larvae per day.  Their mouths are specially designed to scoop larvae and are one of the most environmentally friendly forms of mosquito control. 

Gambusias typically live two to three years and are able to produce hundreds of offspring in their lifetimes.  What is even more fascinating about these fish is that they bear live young; these babies begin eating Mosquito larvae shortly after birth!  So take advantage of these mosquito eating fish, and help us “Fight the Bite”.

For more information on West Nile virus, mosquito eating fish, to report green pools or file any mosquito related complaint, or for WNV materials or presentations for your group/organization, call (602) 506-0700 and visit www.maricopa.gov/wnv .

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