Aug 15, 2025 - News
New Orleans has a secret tool to fight mosquito outbreaks
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New Orleans is giving away mosquito-eating fish to residents as the city sees a spike in West Nile activity, including its first human case of the year.
Why it matters: Officials say this summer's mosquito season has been particularly active.
The big picture: The tiny fish, called Gambusia affinis, eat mosquito larvae and pupae in pools, ponds and other standing water, according to the New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board.
- The agency put them in abandoned pools after Hurricane Katrina and has since incorporated the fish into its regular mosquito-fighting strategy.
- The fish already live here, so they aren't invasive, entomologist Alex Pavlakis says. Residents can request free fish via 504-658-2400 or [email protected].
- St. Tammany Parish also uses the fish to fight mosquitoes, according to the Pulitzer Center.
Zoom out: New Orleans has had more West Nile activity this summer than in previous years, according to agency director Claudia Riegel.
- Infected mosquitoes have been found on the east and west banks, but last week was the first human case of the year.
- The patient has the neuroinvasive form of the disease, according to authorities.
- Most human West Nile infections are asymptomatic, Riegel says, but common symptoms include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rash.
The bottom line: Here's what you can do to protect yourself and your home.