Mosquitoes in Sri Lanka: what travelers really need to know

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you’ve probably wondered about mosquitoes. Are they everywhere? Do you need to worry about getting bitten? Should you

bring repellent?

My experience with mosquitoes in Sri Lanka

Honestly, mosquitoes were not a big problem for me during my trip.

I spent time traveling around Sri Lanka and even spent three days around the mangroves in Rekawa. Considering how much time I spent outdoors and surrounded by tropical vegetation, I was actually surprised by how few mosquito bites I got, probably no more than three.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you won’t encounter mosquitoes. Sri Lanka is a tropical country, and mosquitoes are simply part of the environment. Your experience can also depend on where you stay, the season, the weather and how much time you
spend outdoors.

One thing I noticed everywhere was how naturally people deal with them.

At many guesthouses and accommodations, the owners would light mosquito coils or incense sticks in the evening. I also noticed mosquito coils being used around outdoor restaurant tables.

It was never a big production. They were simply part of the evening routine.

So, are mosquitoes a problem?

They can be, especially in tropical areas and around places with vegetation or standing water. But you don’t need to spend your entire trip worrying about them.

What is important is to remember that mosquitoes in Sri Lanka can transmit diseases, including dengue. The CDC currently lists dengue as a year-round risk in Sri Lanka and recommends that travelers take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

That sounds alarming, but the practical advice is actually quite simple: protect yourself from mosquito bites.

What should you actually do?

You don’t need to turn your suitcase into a mosquito survival kit. A few simple precautions can make a big difference.

Bring mosquito repellent

A good insect repellent is probably the most useful thing to have with you.

The CDC recommends repellents containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin (icaridin), IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD, when used according to the
product instructions.

If you already have a repellent that works well for you at home, bringing it along is an easy solution.

Cover up when needed

If you’re spending time outdoors in places where mosquitoes are active, lightweight long sleeves and long trousers can provide another layer of protection.

You don’t have to walk around Sri Lanka completely covered from head to toe. Think of it more as something useful to have when you’re in a particularly

mosquito-friendly environment.

Pay attention to where you sleep

Air-conditioned or screened rooms offer additional protection. If you’re staying somewhere more open to the outdoors, a mosquito net can also be useful.

This is especially worth considering if you’re staying in a bungalow, cabin, eco-lodge or another type of accommodation surrounded by nature.

What about mosquito coils?

This was probably the thing I noticed most during my trip.

At many places, especially outdoor dining areas and guesthouses, mosquito coils were simply part of the setup.

You might sit down for dinner and notice a little coil slowly burning nearby, producing a thin trail of smoke. At first it may seem unusual, but after a few evenings in Sri Lanka, it becomes just another part of the tropical atmosphere.

If your accommodation offers mosquito coils, use them according to the instructions and keep them safely away from
anything flammable.

And if you see one burning next to your table at a restaurant — now you know why.

What about malaria?

Here’s something that may surprise you:

Sri Lanka has been certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization.

The country was certified malaria-free in 2016, after the last reported indigenous transmission in 2012. WHO continues to emphasize the importance of surveillance because imported cases can still occur.

So, the fact that you see mosquitoes in Sri Lanka does not mean that the country has
malaria transmission.

However, mosquito protection is still important because other mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue, remain
a concern.

Do you need to be scared
of mosquitoes?

No. But you should be prepared.

That would probably be my
biggest takeaway.

During my own trip, mosquitoes were never something I spent much time thinking about. Even after three days around the mangroves in Rekawa, they weren’t nearly as troublesome as I had imagined they
might be.

But I would still recommend putting a small bottle of insect repellent in
your luggage.

It’s one of those things you may barely use — but you’ll be very happy to have it if you suddenly find yourself somewhere with a lot of mosquitoes.

My simple Sri Lanka
mosquito checklist

Before you leave, I’d pack:

• Insect repellent
• Lightweight long-sleeved clothing
• Long trousers for evenings or nature trips
• Depending on your accommodation, consider whether you might need a mosquito net

You can also ask your accommodation in advance whether mosquito protection

is provided.

And once you’re there, take a look around. If your guesthouse has mosquito coils burning in the evening, that’s usually a pretty good sign that the hosts already know how to deal with their tropical little visitors.

One last thing

Don’t let mosquitoes make you nervous about visiting Sri Lanka.

Take sensible precautions, use repellent when you need it, and enjoy the island.

Because there is a lot more to remember about Sri Lanka than the mosquitoes.