Free distribution of mosquitofish will be available to residents of Ripon, Manteca, Lathrop and the surrounding San Joaquin County areas.

This was announced Wednesday by the San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District.

The mosquito fish is a natural and effective way of fighting the breeding of mosquitos. Some species can pose major public health concerns by transmitting anything from the West Nile Virus to malaria and encephalitis.

According to SJC Mosquito & Vector Control District, each fish can eat 80 to 100 mosquito larvae and pupae per day.

A maximum of 15 fishes – ideally placed in ornamental ponds, neglected swimming pools, and animal water troughs – will be provided to residents of cities and rural areas of the county. Required will be a name, address and the location of where the fish will be placed.

Here are the dates and places of those locations:

·         Ripon – Monday, June 21, Ripon City Hall, 259 N. Wilma Ave., in the parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

·         Manteca – Thursday, June 23, Manteca Senior Center parking lot, 295 Cherry Ln., from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

·         Lathrop – Thursday, June 23, Manuel Valverde Park near the Community Center, 15557 Fifth St., from noon to 1:30 p.m.

For more information, log on to www.sjmosquito.org or call 209.4675 or 1.800.300.4675.