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BIOLOGICAL CONTROL: GAMBUSIAIn the past years there has only been one type of successful biological control which was the introduction of the mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, a small guppy-like fish that eats mosquito larvae, thus reducing the mosquito populations. In the thirties, the mosquitofish was introduced into the Saratoga warm springs at the north end of Utah Lake. Since that introduction, the tiny fish has established a surviving population in the lake and some of its small tributaries. At the beginning of each mosquito breeding season, areas are evaluated for the use of Gambusia as a control. Gambusia are planted in ponds, marshes, drains and ditches where the water will not dry up completely, thus killing the fish. Over the years an overwintering population has been established in many aquatic habits throughout the county. Biological control with the use of Gambusia affinis is a working control method. It would be hard to estimate what the mosquito population might be if it were not for the help of this tiny frequently overlooked friend and ally. There is approximately 395,381 lineal feet or about 75 miles of shoreline around Utah Lake. The land elevation is not much different than the water level as seen in the past few years of lake flooding. This fluctuation or flooding and drying is the ideal environment mosquitoes need for egg laying and larval development. The Gambusia are very beneficial to the control program. |
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