The San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control Center will be in Ripon today (June 24) to distribute free mosquitofish.

According to Public Information Officer Aaron Devencenzi, mosquitofish, placed in an existing water source – ornamental ponds, abandoned or neglected swimming pools, water features, and animal troughs, to name a few – is a natural way to control the spread of mosquitos, carriers of viruses including West Nile.

A maximum 15 fish will be provided to each resident as long as supplies last. Distribution in Ripon will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at the City Hall, 259 N. Wilma Ave.

Mosquitofish can live for two to three years and can consume 100 to 500 mosquito larvae per day.

They come at no charge thanks to public agency funding via tax dollars.

For more information, log on to www.sjmosquito.org or call 209.982.4675.