Kinda neat - Aquarium Advice

**roka64** · 05-20-2008, 04:45 PM

Fish take bite out of foreclosures’ mosquito problem - Buying a House - MSN Real Estate

Dave66 · 05-21-2008, 12:22 AM

roka,
Employing the Gambusias for mosquito control has been used for many, many decades. Though thousands died from Malaria in building the Panama Canal, that little fish was employed and saved 10s of thousands of workers when it was added to standing water.
Only problem with them is not only that they are livebearers, they are incredibly prolific, and have been introduced into water ways were they so out compete native fish for insect larvae they have been called a environmental disaster in some areas.
Neat story, and unless there is a flooding rain, it's doubtful they will spread past the swimming pools - unless someone takes them out and drops them in a nearby stream or something.

Dave

**Zagz** · 05-21-2008, 12:22 AM

I heard that they were doing that in New orleans as well. All the abandoned pools were having fish added to them to eat the mosquito larva, as even if they were drained they would fill up again with the rains. It is awesome to use nature to control nature.

**roka64** · 05-21-2008, 08:55 AM

Dave, thanks for the info! I really, really, really hate mosquitos! I can be standing in a crowd of people and I will be the only one that gets bit!

**QTOFFER** · 05-21-2008, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave66

roka,
Employing the Gambusias for mosquito control has been used for many, many decades. Though thousands died from Malaria in building the Panama Canal, that little fish was employed and saved 10s of thousands of workers when it was added to standing water.
Only problem with them is not only that they are livebearers, they are incredibly prolific, and have been introduced into water ways were they so out compete native fish for insect larvae they have been called a environmental disaster in some areas.
Neat story, and unless there is a flooding rain, it's doubtful they will spread past the swimming pools - unless someone takes them out and drops them in a nearby stream or something.

Dave

I was wondering why they aren't used in FW waterways what with all the West Nile outbreaks. Now I know - too bad, though.

05-20-2008, 04:45 PM	#1
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,980 Images: 12	Kinda neat Fish take bite out of foreclosures’ mosquito problem - Buying a House - MSN Real Estate __________________ Age is relative, you are only as old as you act....of course, this works in reverse.... Questions loved, heeded advice greatly appreciated! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

05-21-2008, 12:22 AM	#2
Dave66 Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mars Posts: 61	roka, Employing the Gambusias for mosquito control has been used for many, many decades. Though thousands died from Malaria in building the Panama Canal, that little fish was employed and saved 10s of thousands of workers when it was added to standing water. Only problem with them is not only that they are livebearers, they are incredibly prolific, and have been introduced into water ways were they so out compete native fish for insect larvae they have been called a environmental disaster in some areas. Neat story, and unless there is a flooding rain, it's doubtful they will spread past the swimming pools - unless someone takes them out and drops them in a nearby stream or something. Dave __________________ And you know, that you're over the hill, when your mind makes a promise that your body can't fill . . .

05-21-2008, 12:22 AM	#3
Zagz Aquarium Advice Addict Community Admin Join Date: May 2005 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 11,289 Images: 92	I heard that they were doing that in New orleans as well. All the abandoned pools were having fish added to them to eat the mosquito larva, as even if they were drained they would fill up again with the rains. It is awesome to use nature to control nature. __________________ ----------- My Profile Page My tank & fish photos. Have you voted for AA today? Like the advice or comments someone gave you? Show your appreciation with the reputation button!

05-21-2008, 08:55 AM	#4
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,980 Images: 12	Dave, thanks for the info! I really, really, really hate mosquitos! I can be standing in a crowd of people and I will be the only one that gets bit! __________________ Age is relative, you are only as old as you act....of course, this works in reverse.... Questions loved, heeded advice greatly appreciated! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

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