Tiny fish that eat mosquito larvae given away in Memphis

Tiny fish that eat mosquito larvae given away in Memphis

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MEMPHIS (AP) - Shelby County health officials are distributing mosquito-eating fish to help combat West Nile Disease and other maladies.

The Commercial Appeal reports that Gambusia fish are native to the Delta region. Homeowners are encouraged to stock the species in ornamental ponds or non-working swimming pools to eat larvae of mosquitoes that lay eggs in still water.

Dr. Dan Sprenger of the Shelby County Health Department said each of the tiny fish eat up to 120 larvae per day.

With Shelby County having 3 of Tennessee's five confirmed West Nile case so far this year, officials are urging residents to give mosquitoes fewer places to spawn. Residents who want the fish can call the department's vector control program Monday-Friday.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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