Biological Control

Biological Controls are the implementation of natural predators of mosquitoes to help reduce overall populations. Unfortunately there are not many natural predators available that appear to work in mosquito control. Animals such as bats and small birds, like purple Martins, are believed to eat large amounts of mosquitoes, but studies indicate that mosquitoes make up a very small portion, or even no portion, of their diets. Dragonflies appear to help in reducing numbers, but their effectiveness has not been thoroughly studied.

Mosquitofish, or Gambusia, are small, darkly colored, guppy-looking fish. They can eat hundreds of mosquito larvae and pupae every day. They are a tremendous resource for controlling mosquitoes water sites where introduction is allowed. Gambusia have shown to be quite effective for watering troughs and decorative ponds. Union County VCD has permission to transport the fish (for the purpose of larval mosquito control) by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.