County to try using natural predators to combat mosquitoes

Sussex County - On Aug. 25, through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Mosquito Control Coordination, the Sussex County Office of Mosquito Control obtained 4,200 mosquito-eating fish (Gambusia affinis) from the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife’s Charles O. Hayford Fish Hatchery in Hackettstown. With funding from N.J.’s Mosquito Control Commission, the fish are raised at the hatchery and distributed, at no charge, to the Sussex County Office of Mosquito Control. These mosquito-eating fish were released in two abandoned pools in Vernon and Sparta, three woodland pools in Sandyston, Vernon and Frankford and one semi-permanent swamp in Sandyston. The Sussex County Office of Mosquito Control uses an Integrated Pest Management program, which includes biocontrol, to manage mosquito populations. This involves the introduction of Gambusia affinis, a highly effective mosquito larvae predator, into areas known to produce mosquitoes and do not have an effective predator population. These fish can consume thousands of larvae in one week, need limited care and reduce the amount of pesticides used. Because Gambusia affinis are a non-native species and may easily out compete native species, they are only introduced in contained environments. Some examples of mosquito habitats where fish may be introduced include artificial containers such as ornamental ponds, abandoned swimming pools, foundations, and excavated sites. Typically, Gambusia affinis don’t survive the winters in northern climates because oxygen levels become depleted under the ice, and the fish die. However, an abandoned pool stocked in 2003, has managed to thrive and restocking has not been necessary. “Gambusia affinis, a natural predator, will greatly aid our mosquito control efforts. Where practical, these fish control mosquito populations and reduce the need for pesticides,” said Jennifer Gruener, chief inspector, Sussex County Office of Mosquito Control. Residents who may know of potential stocking sites are encouraged to contact the Sussex County Office of Mosquito Control. For more information about mosquito control efforts, contact the Sussex County Office of Mosquito Control at (973) 948-4545 or visit the Web site at www.sussex.nj.us/mosquito.