The City of Plano Environmental Health Department, in an effort to reduce the number of mosquitos and thus minimize potential for spread of West Nile Virus, will release thousands of mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). Weather permitting, release will take place Tuesday, April 1 at Pecan Hollow Golf Course and City of Plano Parkway Service Center.
Gambusia feed on mosquito larvae and can be placed in a variety of freshwater habitats. The fish are often placed in areas that were previously devoid of them, to control mosquito populations. This type of biological control intentionally uses natural predators to achieve desired reductions in the mosquito population. The use of fish is useful if other control methods (pesticides) present environmental concerns or areas are difficult to treat due to terrain.
