The treehole mosquito normally breeds in small containers of water within twenty feet of ground level in the shade in wooded locations. The natural container is a rot cavity formed in a tree or tree stump. Artificial containers, include tires, children's toys, and buckets, make excellent breeding sites. This mosquito normally is active only in dark wooded areas during the day. It is not a very aggressive feeder.
Children are most likely to be bitten while playing or camping in woodland situations.
The female treehole mosquito may contract the La Crosse virus by biting an infected woodland mammal, by mating with an infected male treehole mosquito, or by being infected with the virus from her mother. The disease overwinters in infected mosquito eggs. Any child who develops a viral encephalitis or meningitis during the summer or early fall months is suspect. The home and child's play areas should be checked for the conditions suitable for the treehole mosquito. Mosquito Control 1.