Escalon currently does not have a representative on the San Joaquin County Mosquito Vector Control District Board and is looking for interested applicants. Also, the District will be in Escalon today, Wednesday, June 29 for its annual distribution of mosquitofish to help control the spread of West Nile Virus. San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District distributes the mosquitofish free to residents of all cities and surrounding rural areas within San Joaquin County.

“Each resident will receive up to 15 fish depending on the size of the area the fish will be placed. We also provide a fish carry container, an informational brochure, as well as a small bag of fish food,” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer with the District.

Representatives from the District will be in Escalon at the Community Center/Hogan-Ennis Fields parking lot along Escalon Avenue, with the mosquitofish distribution scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. today.

Mosquitofish live two to three years and females give birth to about 50 young every six weeks from spring to fall. Officials added that they are capable of consuming 100 to 500 mosquito larvae per day.

They require minimal care, just an occasional feeding each week and a little more food in the winter, said District officials.

Ideal places to use mosquitofish to prevent mosquito development are ornamental ponds, animal water troughs, water features, and neglected swimming pools. For more information go to www.sjmosquito.org.

Meanwhile, those interested in serving on the District can put in an application at Escalon City Hall. The council, at their meeting earlier this month, opted to not re-appoint a member who has served over the past several years, opening it up to others that may be interested in applying.

According to information regarding the position on the city’s website, the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District is an independent special district governed by an appointed Board of Trustees, with representatives from each incorporated city and the county at large. The trustees are appointed for either a two- or four-year term. The Board meets the third Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. or the Tuesday immediately preceding the 20th of each month.

Emphasis is placed on managing mosquito populations at levels that reduce the risk of virus transmissions to humans and horses in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Interested citizens can pick up an application at City Hall, 2060 McHenry Ave., Escalon, or by calling 691-7421. There is also a link to the application on the city website.