The Nevada County Environmental Health Department will be giving away mosquito fish on Thursday (July 17th) to help people with ponds and large fountains or areas of standing water to cut down on the number of mosquitoes breeding this time of year. Nevada County Agriculture Commissioner Jeff Pylman says as usual they will be set up at the Gentle Giant Monument at the Nevada County Fairgrounds with a drive through giveaway.

click here to listen to Jeff Pylman

The mosquito fish eat the mosquito larvae before they can hatch and are very effective in this time of year when the Mosquito population tends to thrive.

click here to listen to Jeff Pylman 

Pylman says since the first wave of West Nile Virus in 2005 Nevada County has had no human cases and  about 3 dead birds in a season. West Nile Virus can be transferred from infected birds to people by mosquitoes. That’s why health officials urge people to avoid activity outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and other protective clothing. Apply insect repellant according to label instructions. Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens that have no tears or holes.  Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, and do what they can to prevent getting mosquito bites.