Historical and current mosquito control technologies employed in California and specifically the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valleys are described. Ample justification exists for the use of the mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard) as a biological control agent of mosquito larvae in permanent or semipermanent waters. Studies conducted in ricefield mosquito control indicate this fish typically provides adequate predatory activity for potential malaria and viral encephalitis vectors. Experimental earthen impoundment rearing tests and other studies are described which should result in the development of a large-scale fish culture program.
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