As Sri Lanka edges closer to another peak dengue period with the impending monsoon, the familiar hum of mosquitoes will soon become more than just a nightly nuisance; it will also become a pressing public health concern.
With the Lankan climate, mosquito control is not a seasonal inconvenience but an ongoing necessity, intensifying during the monsoon months when rainfall and humidity create ideal breeding conditions.
From urban apartments in Colombo to semi-rural households across the country, Sri Lankans adopt a wide range of strategies to keep mosquitoes at bay, blending modern repellents, traditional knowledge, and everyday preventive habits into a layered defence system.
Preschool teacher Ashila Lashani highlighted just how disruptive the issue could be in shared spaces like classrooms.
“In schools, it becomes a real problem because you have to think about the safety of so many children in one space,” she explained. “I usually use electric liquid vaporisers in the classroom because they’re easy and consistent.” For educators, the challenge lies not only in keeping mosquitoes away, but also in ensuring that whatever method is used is safe for prolonged exposure among young children.
Ashila noted that over time, she had had to experiment with different solutions to strike that balance. “Recently, I’ve also been introduced to fabric roll-ons, which are quite convenient, especially for kids,” she said. These roll-ons, applied directly onto clothing, are gaining popularity as a less intrusive alternative to sprays or lotions applied on skin.
However, even with these options, there is an unavoidable trade-off. “The unfortunate thing is we have to spend most of the month smelling like insecticide,” she added. “But honestly, it’s better than the alternative.”
The dengue concern
The urgency of mosquito control in Sri Lanka is closely tied to the prevalence of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease that continues to affect thousands each year.
Sharing her experience, Shehani Palihawadana noted that Sri Lankans were generally aware of the dengue transmission period which follows a predictable seasonal pattern. “Dengue season in Sri Lanka peaks during the two major monsoon periods, May to July and October to January,” she said.
Shehani shared that according to the advice that she had received over the years from various efforts to educate people, environmental conditions played a critical role.
“High rainfall combined with humidity levels between 75–90% create optimal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, particularly in urban areas like Colombo,” she explained, stressing that these mosquitoes bred in stagnant water and were known for biting during the daytime, making prevention more challenging than simply using nighttime protection.
This seasonal surge places added pressure on households, schools, and workplaces to adopt more vigilant mosquito control practices, not just for comfort but for health and safety.
One of the most effective ways to manage mosquito populations is to address the environment in which they thrive. Eliminating breeding sites remains the cornerstone of mosquito prevention. This includes regularly emptying or covering containers that collect water; flower pots, discarded tyres, clogged gutters, and even small puddles can serve as breeding grounds. Public health campaigns frequently stress the importance of checking these areas weekly, yet in densely populated areas, complete control remains difficult.
Inside homes, physical barriers offer an additional layer of protection. Installing fine-gauge mesh screens on windows and doors can significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes entering living spaces. For those without permanent fixtures, temporary netting or even mosquito nets around beds can be effective, especially for infants and young children.
Interestingly, something as simple as a household fan can also make a difference. Mosquitoes are weak fliers, and a strong airflow can disrupt their ability to land on human skin. While this may not eliminate them entirely, it can reduce the likelihood of bites, particularly in enclosed spaces.
Clothing also plays a role, particularly during peak mosquito activity hours. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks can help minimise exposed skin. While this may not always be practical in Sri Lanka’s humid climate, it remains a useful precaution, especially for children and individuals in high-risk areas.
Natural and traditional repellents
Alongside these practical measures, many Sri Lankans continue to turn to traditional and plant-based solutions that have been passed down through generations.
Rashmika Damyanthi emphasised the role of natural ingredients in everyday mosquito control. “Citrus scents are known to repel mosquitoes,” she shared. “So even burning lime leaves or lemon leaves can help keep them away.”
She added that citronella, locally known and widely available, remained one of the most popular natural repellents. “Citronella leaves and citronella oil are commonly used in many households. These can be burnt, applied in diluted oil form, or used in candles and sprays.”
Other essential oils, such as neem, lavender, tea tree, and cinnamon, are also known for their repellent properties. Among these, lemon eucalyptus oil, particularly at higher concentrations, is considered one of the most effective natural options. However, natural repellents often require more frequent application compared to their chemical counterparts, making them less convenient for long periods of exposure.
Despite this limitation, the appeal of natural methods lies in their perceived safety and cultural familiarity. Many households prefer to use these options for children or in spaces where strong chemical odours may be undesirable.
Commercial repellents and everyday use
In recent years, the market for mosquito repellents in Sri Lanka has expanded significantly, offering a wide variety of products tailored to different needs. Sprays and lotions are among the most commonly used, providing direct protection when applied to exposed skin. These are particularly useful for outdoor activities or travel.
For indoor use, electric vaporisers have become a staple in many homes. Devices such as vaporisers release insecticide in a controlled manner, offering continuous protection throughout the night. Their convenience and relatively low maintenance make them especially popular among families.
Mosquito coils, once the default choice in many households, are still widely used due to their affordability and accessibility. However, concerns about smoke and respiratory irritation have led some users to explore alternatives such as incense sticks or smokeless coils.
Patches and wearable bands have also gained traction, particularly among parents. These products are designed to be applied to clothing rather than skin, offering a safer option for younger children. Similarly, natural sprays and mists or locally produced herbal blends provide an alternative for those seeking plant-based solutions.
Outdoor repellents, such as citronella candles and mosquito zappers, are commonly used during gatherings or in garden spaces. While these can help reduce mosquito presence, their effectiveness is generally limited to small, enclosed areas.
While there is no shortage of repellent options, choosing the right one often depends on context, indoor versus outdoor use, the age of users, and the level of mosquito activity. Chemical repellents, while effective, must be used according to instructions to avoid overexposure, particularly among children.
Natural repellents, on the other hand, may be safer in some respects but require more frequent application and may not offer the same level of protection in high-risk environments. It is also important to note that certain oils, such as lemon eucalyptus, should not be used on children under three years old.
Another often overlooked factor is personal fragrance. Perfumes, scented lotions, and even strongly scented soaps can attract mosquitoes, counteracting the effects of repellents. As such, avoiding these products during peak mosquito activity can be a simple yet effective measure.
Ultimately, the most effective mosquito control strategy is not a single solution but a combination of methods. Environmental management, physical barriers, and the use of repellents, whether natural or chemical, work best when used together. This layered approach allows individuals to adapt to different settings and levels of risk.
As Sri Lanka continues to navigate the challenges of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, these everyday practices form an essential line of defence. They may come with minor inconveniences, lingering scents, repeated applications, or the need for constant vigilance, but they ultimately contribute to a safer living environment.