11 Best Mosquito Repellents for the Marshall Islands + How to Treat & Avoid Bites

We’ve used their insect repellent sticks for a few of our South Pacific travels, but we couldn’t justify the amount of plastic packaging of Murphy’s Naturals to keep on purchasing them… Until they released their effective formula in a tin!

The combination of lemongrass, cedarwood, peppermint and rosemary is usually a good win for keeping mosquitoes at bay for a couple of hours. What’s more, it smells great!

If you don't manage to pick some up before arrival, we have seen Murphy's sold at K&K Island Pride Supermarket on Majuro (when shelves are well-stocked).

Check out Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm on Amazon.

Keeps mosquitoes at bay; check! No nasty chemicals; check! Plastic-free; check! Badger Anti-Bug Balm is a good all-rounder for protecting yourself against mosquitoes in the Marshall Islands, especially for those coming from the US where it’s easier to source.

The organic and natural mosquito repellent is based on citronella, cedar and lemongrass. Badger also offers sprays in aluminium bottles (although have plastic lids) and balm sticks.

Check out Badger Anti-Bug Balm on Amazon.

One of the leaders of the DEET-free insect repellent market is REPEL and for good reason. The environmentally friendly spray with lemon and eucalyptus extract not only effectively keeps mosquitoes at bay, but smells pretty good too.

Plus, the formula is non-greasy, meaning no stains on your holiday clothes, which, by the way, if you don’t know what to pack, see our Full Marshall Islands Packing List.

Learn more about REPEL Insect Repellent Spray on Amazon.

Our top pick for those who can pick it up in New Zealand before heading to the Marshall Islands, Raw Nature Bug Repellent, not only works but it comes in a cardboard tube, getting extra eco-points from us!

The citronella, cedarwood and rosemary combo smells delicious (but awful to the mosquitoes, but that’s the point!) The shea butter with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties combined with New Zealand manuka oil rolls on effortlessly. Look out for this brand in New Zealand pharmacies and Farmers.

Swap spray for a natural cream with this “No-Bite-Me” Insect Repellent Cream by SallyeAnder. No nasties are present in the ingredients of this eco-friendly mosquito repellent, with active ingredients including eugenol, cedar oil, rosemary oil, lemongrass oil, and more.

The repellent is free from paraben, DEET and alcohol and is safe for kids and infants.

Check out the SallyeAnder No-Bite-MeCream on Amazon.

Compact to use when travelling and useful to diffuse at your accommodation, the Outdoor Essential Oil by TerraShield is a natural repellent for unwanted bugs, including mosquitoes. The essential oil uses natural ingredients, such as ylang-ylang, cedarwood, catnip, lemon eucalyptus, vanilla bean absolute and more.

A few drops on your arms, legs and neck is usually enough to keep the bugs at bay for a few hours.

Find out more about TerraShield Outdoor Essential Oil on Amazon.

As easy as taking your morning or evening shower, Insect Repellent Soap is well worth considering. Just replace your normal soap or body wash with a soap bar made with citronella and lemongrass.

We recommend the Insect Repellent Bar from Blue Moon Elise, which is available on Amazon.

Ok, so any clothing protects the covered parts of your body from mosquito bites, but what about repelling mosquitoes away from your body altogether to spare your exposed hands and ears? Meet clothing made with insect-repellent technology!

Combining UV and insect protection, clothing with patented technologies like “No Fly Zone” and “Bug’s Away”. The clothes typically keep their bug-repellent capabilities for around 50-60 washes.

A recommended insect-repellent clothing brand is ExOfficio, which does both men’s insect-repellent apparel and women’s insect apparel on Amazon.

A good one for the kids, natural mosquito repellent stickers are as easy to use as simply sticking one of the stickers to the little one’s T-shirt, shorts or bag. The active ingredients in these clever stickers include citronella and lemon. Of course, the stickers are DEET-free.

Check out Natural Mosquito Repellent Stickers from Mosquito Guard on Amazon.

Each bracelet, on top of being colourfully fashionable, provides 15 continuous days of protection. Infused with powerful citronella, rosemary, geranium, mint and more, these Para’Kito Bracelets only require you to change the active pellets once every 15 days.

As soon as your bracelet stops smelling, just pop in a new pellet and you’re back protected. Keep in mind that once opened, the 15 days kick in, so using the bracelet for a few days now and a few days later won’t work…

Check out the Para’Kito Bracelets on Amazon.

Using natural ingredients like geranium oil, these insect repellent wipes are not our top choice because of all of the packaging but at least they are an alternative option for natural insect repellent for the Marshall Islands should you need it.

Each wipe is individually sealed to lock in the active ingredients until opened when all you need to do is wipe the areas you want to protect. Wipes typically give around six hours of protection.

For more health products to pack for the Marshall Islands, see What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for the Marshall Islands.

Check out La Fresh Mosquito Repellent Wipes on Amazon.

Mosquito repellent is the obvious first step, but it’s not the only way to avoid becoming an all-you-can-eat buffet in the Marshall Islands.

Here are a few more practical ways to reduce insect bites during your trip.

1. Protect Yourself with Mosquito Repellents

Use mosquito repellent, especially in the early morning, late afternoon and evening when mosquitoes are often more active.

If you’re spending time outdoors, reapply as directed on the bottle, particularly after swimming or sweating.

2. Wear Long-Sleeved Clothing

Light, loose-fitting long-sleeved tops and trousers can help reduce exposed skin without making you overheat.

Choose breathable fabrics where possible, as the Marshall Islands has a warm tropical climate and nobody wants to feel like they’re travelling in a portable sauna.

3. Ask for a Mosquito Net

If you’re staying somewhere simple or somewhere without air conditioning, ask whether a mosquito net is available.

This is especially useful if windows are kept open for airflow or if your room does not have well-fitted screens.

4. Ask About Your Accommodation’s Mosquito Kit

Some accommodation may provide mosquito coils, plug-in repellents or sprays, but don’t assume these will always be available.

It’s worth asking ahead or bringing your own travel-sized mosquito kit, especially if you’re staying outside the main accommodation areas.

5. Choose Breezy Places to Stay

Mosquitoes prefer still, sheltered areas, so breezier coastal accommodation can sometimes be more comfortable than places surrounded by thick vegetation or stagnant water.

Of course, in the Marshall Islands, you’re never usually far from the coast, but airflow still makes a difference.

6. Don’t Stay Near Stagnant Water

Avoid sitting or sleeping close to stagnant water where possible, as this is where mosquitoes are more likely to breed.

Buckets, puddles, drains, uncovered containers and still water around accommodation can all attract mosquitoes.

7. Take Vitamin B

Some travellers take vitamin B because they believe it helps reduce mosquito bites.

The evidence is limited, so don’t rely on it as your main protection, but check with a doctor or pharmacist if you’re considering taking supplements before your trip.

8. Take an Antihistamine

If you react badly to insect bites, ask a doctor or pharmacist whether antihistamines are suitable for you.

They can help reduce itching or swelling for some travellers, but always follow the dosage instructions and medical advice.

9. Avoid the Wet Season

Mosquitoes are often more noticeable during wetter periods, when there is more standing water around.

You don’t need to avoid travelling completely, but packing good repellent and bite relief is especially important if visiting during the wetter months.

10. Don’t Go Out Straight After the Rain

Mosquitoes can be particularly annoying after rain, especially around damp, sheltered areas.

If you’re prone to bites, give it a little time before heading out or make sure you’re covered up and wearing repellent.

What to Do if Bitten? Fight the Itch with Antiseptic Cream

If you do get bitten, try not to scratch. Scratching can break the skin and make bites more likely to become infected.

Use an antiseptic cream or bite-relief cream, keep the area clean and seek medical advice if a bite becomes very swollen, painful, hot or shows signs of infection.