HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County is bringing back its popular solution for backyard pest control this month, launching a series of six giveaway events where residents can pick up free mosquitofish. The 2026 season officially begins in the Southshore area on March 21 at the Southshore Regional Library in Ruskin.
These small, native freshwater fish are a natural defense against mosquitoes because they feed primarily on larvae and pupae. Since the fish reproduce quickly and require almost no maintenance, thousands of local residents have used them over the last few years to manage standing water in ponds, fountains, and unused swimming pools.
The county’s Mosquito Management Services team raises most of these fish in specialized aquaculture tanks at their home office to ensure a healthy supply for the public. At each event, a mobile education lab will also be on-site to help families better understand mosquito behavior and how to reduce breeding grounds on their own property…