Free minnows curb mosquitoes, officials say

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - Hungry minnows are here for the taking. Their job? To help reduce the mosquito population in Westchester County, New York.

Each one of these tiny fish will eat about 300 mosquito larvae a day—they're voracious," said Dr. Sherlita Amler, the county's commissioner of health.

The county's Health Department is offering its residents free minnows and mosquito dunks in an effort to curb mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus. Amler said this initiative is all about education.

"If you're getting bit on your property, you're growing them on your property," Amler said. "Most people don't realize that."

The giveaway aims to attack mosquito-breeding sites, like stagnant ponds and fountains. The pesky insects thrive on even the smallest amounts of water.

South Salem resident Colleen McLafferty said she hopes the minnows help prevent problems due to mosquitoes.

The minnows eat mosquito larvae, preventing the insects from maturing into biters. The tablets, which are a larvicide, are perfect for birdbaths and unused pools.

East Chester resident Robert Pappalardo said he will put the tablets in the fountains on his property.

Cal Cassara of Bedford has been picking up minnows for several years now. He has three acres of property, including a large pond behind his home. He and his wife Lee said the fish have made a big difference.

"It's nice to have all this greenery but there are disadvantages," Lee Cassara said. "So we are trying to overcome that so we can enjoy it."

Saturday, May 19, is the last day the Health Department will be providing both minnows and tablets. You can stop by Westchester Country Airport between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Any remaining minnows will be dispersed amongst county property.