In Sri Lanka there is an abundance of mosquitoes and it is almost certain that unless you cover yourself in DEET related insect repellent and wear nothing but head to toe garments for your entire trip that you are going to get bitten… The mosquitoes here are fast, landing on any open areas of skin and feasting within seconds - the itch does not start until they leave by which time it is too late (I have only ever caught one in the act and this merely led to me being covered in my own blood at the site of the bite as I slapped it). They are also silent - there is no distinct buzz, which we associate to the slow and cumbersome European mozzie. They are ambush predators, in that they wait until there is an opportunity before biting - usually during a meal, drink or when you are distracted or asleep and have some part of your anatomy against the mozzie net!! And to aid them in this they have a way of camouflaging themselves by putting their legs together and becoming nothing but a tiny line on the wall… Finally their bites are itchy - incredibly itchy, sometimes causing either red blotches or inflamed areas the size of 2p coins or larger, but do not scratch them, instead use antihistamine cream for relief. Remember its warfare and we are on the defensive!! Be warned!
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