Range

U.S. Distribution

The Asian tiger mosquito is thought to have spread to the western hemisphere as a result of the international trade in used tires. Tires are favorable habitats for egg deposition and larval development because of their shape and ability to hold water.

There is considerable movement of used tires world-wide and throughout the eastern and midwestern United States, which helps spread the Asian tiger mosquito.

Most used tires are imported in large containers that are not adequately inspected for mosquitoes at the ports of entry. Those tires that are not suitable for recapping may end up at illegal dump sites, allowing mosquitoes to become established.