We have signed up for the south Italy tour but saw that malaria had been a problem in Matera. Are mosquitoes a significant problem there? Will the "primeval forest" in the Gargano peninsula be a haven for these critters. We had a trip to the Big Island in Hawaii and one to Turkey ruined by mosquitoes in our room at night. We are mosquito magnets and don't want another trip spoiled by them. We will be travelling October 10-22.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
I have only been as far south as Sorrento and in October met with the little beasties. If it is warm and wet (more rain likely in autumn) they will be there breeding in puddles, open water tanks, ponds etc. Their presence will vary according to the climatic conditions over the year and from year to year but I would go expecting to be bitten and see it as a nice surprise if nothing happened. Don't have open windows with the lights on, it will become mosquito central! We always take with us on our trips to various parts of Italy a plug in liquid repellent for our bedroom and repellent wipes for any bare skin when we go out in the late afternoon/evening. Wear long sleeves/trousers in the evening and if you walk through undergrowth/woods. If the worst happens visit a pharmacy, they will be able to help you get over the worst. Hope that the precautions turn out to be uneccesary and you have a great trip!