Mosquitoes are a common nuisance in Sri Lanka, including the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The tropical climate of the country provides a perfect breeding ground for these insects, leading to a high population in many areas. Mosquitoes can be found in abundance in and around the forest, especially during the monsoon seasons when there is plenty of standing water for them to lay their eggs.

The mosquito situation in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is of particular concern due to the presence of several mosquito-borne diseases in the region. Diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya are prevalent in Sri Lanka, with the forest reserve being no exception. Visitors to the area are at risk of contracting these diseases if they are not adequately protected against mosquito bites.

Efforts to control the mosquito population in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve are ongoing, with measures such as fogging, larvicide treatments, and public education campaigns being implemented. However, the dense vegetation and varied terrain of the forest make it a challenging environment to fully eradicate mosquitoes. It is important for visitors to take precautions such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and staying in accommodations with screens on windows and doors.

Mosquito-borne diseases in the area

Further information