Mosquito-Eating Fish Part Of Bergen County Control Strategy

WYCKOFF, N.J. — Bergen County officials took a proactive step against the Zika virus Friday.

County Executive James Tedesco, together with members of the Division of Mosquito Control and the Department of Health released a school of Gambusia fish in a Wyckoff pond next to Carl and Ann Rizzo's home.

The mosquitofish feed on mosquito larvae.

The fish, along with regular spraying of standing water, are being used in tandem to control the mosquito population and prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, in a campaign called "Bergen Bites Back."

The fish, combined with regular spraying of standing water — and a redoubled effort to educate the public on how to reduce spots for mosquitoes to breed in light of the potential Zika menace — are part of a campaign called "Bergen Bites Back."

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Bergen County Executive James Tedesco releases the fish into the pond. The school of Gambusia fish before it is released. — Courtesy of Bergen County Executive's Office