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

There are several ways to reduce insect bites without relying entirely on insect repellent. Wearing long-sleeved clothing, staying away from stagnant water and bringing your own mosquito net are all useful precautions to take in the Marshall Islands.

1. Wear Long-Sleeved Clothing

The principle is simple: mosquitoes cannot bite skin that they cannot reach. Wearing a lightweight long-sleeved top and trousers can therefore make a noticeable difference, particularly in the early morning, late afternoon and evening.

Choose loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics so that you remain comfortable in the Marshall Islands’ warm tropical climate.

2. Bring Your Own Mosquito Net

Mosquito nets and insect screens are not common at accommodation in the Marshall Islands, especially in Majuro. Rooms may rely on air conditioning or electric fans instead, while more basic accommodation may have open windows without screens.

Ask your accommodation what protection is provided before your stay. If you are staying somewhere without air conditioning or well-fitted insect screens, consider bringing your own travel mosquito net. Mosquito coils, plug-in repellents and other mosquito-kit items can also be difficult to find, so it is best to pack your own.

Check out more useful items to bring in our Marshall Islands Packing List.

3. Don’t Stay Near Stagnant Water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so avoid spending unnecessary time beside puddles, uncovered containers, blocked drains and other areas where water has collected.

Check around your accommodation for buckets, plant containers or other items holding rainwater. When choosing somewhere to sit outdoors, a breezy area away from stagnant water is usually the more comfortable option.

4. Take Vitamin B

Some travellers take vitamin B supplements or eat foods rich in vitamin B in the belief that it makes them less attractive to mosquitoes. However, there is limited evidence that vitamin B prevents mosquito bites, so it should not replace proven precautions such as insect repellent and protective clothing.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking supplements, particularly if you have an existing medical condition or take other medication.

For more travel-health essentials, see What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for the Marshall Islands.

5. Don’t Go Out Straight After the Rain

Mosquitoes can become more noticeable during wet and humid conditions, particularly when rain leaves puddles and other areas of standing water.

If mosquitoes tend to target you, consider waiting for the rain to clear before spending time outdoors. Otherwise, cover exposed skin and apply insect repellent before heading out.

In the meantime, you can check out one of the amazing museums in the Marshall Islands. Otherwise, what about grabbing a bite to eat in one of the wonderful eateries around?

For ways to spend a wet day, check out our guide to the Things to Do in the Marshall Islands on a Rainy Day.

If you still manage to get bitten by mosquitoes, then a few remedies to fight the itch include:

1. Take Antihistamine – The main purpose of taking antihistamines before or after being bitten by a mosquito is to remedy allergic reactions. They also help prevent or soothe itching. What’s more, antihistamine is even known to help prevent getting bitten in the first place! However, if you have any doubts about taking antihistamine tablets, it’s always best to consult with your doctor first.
2. Apply Antiseptic Cream – When thinking about what to pack in your first aid kit for the Marshall Islands, we suggest packing a good antiseptic cream. It is particularly helpful to disinfect and soothe mosquito bites. Keeping on top of your bites is the best way to cope with mosquitoes if you start getting bitten.
3. Use a Mosquito Bite-Soothing Gadget – Commonly known as a “Zapit” device, these mosquito-soothing devices are nifty little gadgets to help reduce the urge to scratch your itchy mosquito bites. Just hold the device over your skin and press the button to release a quick burst of electricity on the affected area. Some devices also allow you to adjust the strength of the zap to make it suitable for kids. Check out popular Zapit devices like Bite Helper.
4. Apply Ice – Histamines, which cause the itchiness associated with mosquito bites, dilate blood vessels filling the area bitten with excess blood. The cold, however, can help constrict blood vessels and make the area feel a lot less itchy. So put some ice or an ice pack on your mosquito bite.

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Although routine travel vaccinations do not replace mosquito-bite precautions, this is a good opportunity to make sure your vaccinations are up to date before visiting the Marshall Islands.

The vaccinations recommended for your trip may depend on your medical history, planned activities and the length of your stay. Speak to a doctor or travel-health professional well before departure for personalised advice.

What's more, you are required to have certain vaccinations to enter the country, which we outline in our guide, Do You Need Vaccines to Travel to the Marshall Islands?