San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) is celebrating our twenty-first year of the annual mosquitofish giveaway. This year, we are celebrating at the District’s Office with a tour showcasing the District's primary functions and continuing to provide mosquitofish for existing sources. “Come out and join us for the fun. Mosquito Mania and the Mosquitofish Giveaway is an outdoor event for San Joaquin County residents. We have KAT Country Live Remote! There will be complimentary tacos and a drink for the first 200 people completing the District tour” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer of the District. There will be a Grand Prize drawing for a family four-pack and overnight stay at the Great Wolf Lodge,” said Devencenzi
The event is at 7759 South Airport Way, Stockton, CA 95206, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
During the tour, four stations include 1) an Overview of the District and Services, 2) Laboratory Surveillance and Mosquito-Borne Disease testing, 3) Mosquitofish information, a mosquito larval feeding every ½ hour and mosquitofish giveaway, 4) Equipment used in mosquito control. Complete all four stations to be eligible for the Grand Prize. Rules and restrictions will apply and will be posted at the event.
There will be a kids “Fun Section” with a coloring contest for three different age groups. The coloring contest winner for each group will be chosen by District staff and posted on the District’s Facebook page. Kids can also enjoy magnetic fishing in a plastic pond to win prizes!
Each San Joaquin County resident will receive up to 25 fish, depending on the size of the area where the fish will be placed. The District will provide a fish carry container, informational brochures, and a small bag of fish food. San Joaquin residents must show ID and share the location where the fish will be placed.
Mosquitofish facts: 1) Mosquitofish live two to three years. 2) Females give birth to about 50 young every six weeks from spring to fall. 3) They can consume 100-500 mosquito larvae per day. 4) They require minimal care, just an occasional weekly feeding and a little more food in the winter. Areas where fish are used include abandoned swimming pools, water troughs, ornamental ponds without any other fish, and water features around the home.
For more information, rules and restrictions go to www.sjmosquito.org.