It’s that time of year again – the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District has free mosquitofish available.

With the first confirmed case of West Nile Virus reported earlier this month in the county, officials said it is even more important for residents to take advantage of the free program.

In Escalon, the distribution of mosquitofish is set for Tuesday, June 23 from noon to 1 p.m. at Hogan-Ennis Park parking lot, 1051 Escalon Ave.

The mosquitofish will be provided to residents of the cities and rural areas within San Joaquin County, with a maximum of 15 fish provided to each resident. The mosquitofish can be placed in ornamental ponds, neglected swimming pools and animal water troughs to help cut down on the mosquito population.

Residents attending the free giveaway will be asked to provide their name, address and the location where the fish will be placed. Distributions will take place all next week, starting in Lodi on June 22, Ripon and Escalon on June 23, Stockton on June 24, Manteca and Lathrop on June 25 and wrapping up the week in the City of Tracy on Friday, June 26.

For more information, contact the county’s Mosquito and Vector Control District at 209-982-4675 or visit www.sjmosquito.org.