Physical description: Small, midge-like flies with slender bodies (around 3-10mm long). Females have elongated mouthparts for piercing skin and sucking blood. Males have feathery antennae, while females have hairy antennae. They come in various colours, but brown is most common in Sri Lanka.
Habitat: Mosquitoes thrive in areas with stagnant water. This includes puddles, ditches, overflowing gutters, clogged drains, and containers holding water (like flower pots, old tires). They prefer shady, humid environments.
Feeding habits: Only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals to feed on blood for egg development. They are attracted to body heat, sweat, and carbon dioxide exhaled.
Behaviour
Life cycle: Mosquitoes undergo a complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva (aquatic), pupa (aquatic), and adult. Eggs are laid in or near water, hatching into larvae (wrigglers) that live and feed in the water for a week or two. Pupae develop underwater for a few days before emerging as flying adults. The entire life cycle can take as little as a week under ideal conditions.
Activity patterns: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, but some species (like Aedes aegypti) can bite throughout the day, especially indoors.
Signs of Infestation
Visual signs: The presence of adult mosquitoes is the most obvious sign. Look for mosquito breeding grounds around your property, such as stagnant water sources.
Behavioural signs: Mosquito bites are itchy red bumps. You might also notice unusual buzzing sounds, especially at dawn and dusk.
Health Risks
Mosquitoes in Sri Lanka are known to transmit several diseases, including:
Dengue fever: This is the most common mosquito-borne illness in Sri Lanka. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and a rash.
Chikungunya: This viral disease causes fever, joint pain, swelling, and headaches.
Malaria: While less common than dengue, malaria can be a serious illness with symptoms like fever, chills, sweating, and muscle aches.
Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around your home and property by emptying any containers holding water.
Use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially for children and babies.
Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants in the evenings.
Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Consider mosquito traps or treatments for your property.
Species in Sri Lanka: Over 140 mosquito species exist in Sri Lanka, with Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus being the primary carriers of dengue.
