Mosquito fish deployed in battle against West Nile virus

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004 | 11:29 a.m.

So-called mosquito fish, 2 1/2-inch guppy-like amphibians, are the first line of defense protecting valley residents from the threats of West Nile virus.

They eat the mosquitos before the mosquitos can eat us, Richard Hicks, supervisor for the Clark County Vector Control, said.

The mosquito fish have been used for years in the nearby wetlands and the area's water treatment ponds to prevent mosquitos from infesting the Las Vegas Valley, but hundreds more are now being deployed as the county received its second confirmation of someone contracting the virus last week, Hicks said.

The fish, scientific name Gambusia affinis, are being placed in abandoned swimming pools, ornamental ponds, many golf course lakes and flood control channels -- anywhere where mosquitos may breed, Hicks said.

They feed off the mosquito larvae before the mosquitos can reach adulthood.

"They do a super job for us," Hicks said.

Hicks said his pest control department has received hundreds of calls for the fish in the last few weeks, especially to take care of abandoned or uncared for swimming pools that can turn into a breeding ground for mosquitos.

If a pool is not being kept up with chemicals, the fish can be introduced and keep the water free of mosquitos through the summer breeding season.

Abandoned pools and other areas where there is stagnant water should be reported to the Vector Control office by calling 455-7543, Hicks said.