11 Best Insect Repellents for American Samoa + 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! Check out Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm on Amazon.

Our top pick for those who can pick it up in New Zealand before heading to American Samoa, 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.

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 American Samoa, 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 they 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 American Samoa Packing List LINK#TT036.

Learn more about REPEL Insect Repellent Spray on Amazon.

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 bure, 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-repellent 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 American Samoa 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 American Samoa, see What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for American Samoa LINK#TT028.

Check out La Fresh Mosquito Repellent Wipes on Amazon.

There are alternative ways to avoid mosquito bites without relying on insect repellents and similar products. Wearing long-sleeved clothing and choosing accommodation with mosquito nets are all alternative precautions to take.

1. Wear Long-Sleeved Clothing

The science is pretty easy on this one: wear a long-sleeve layer and without exposed skin, you won’t be bitten. This is not really a high-tech solution but it works wonders. 

2. Ask for a Mosquito Net

Most accommodation providers have mosquito nets or insect screens on the windows. Needless to say, you should make sure you use them. If the mosquito net or screen has holes, ask for a replacement. If you’re staying somewhere where you suspect there are no mosquito nets available, bring your own travel mosquito net.

Check out more things to pack in our American Samoa Packing List LINK#TT021.

3. Don’t Stay Near Stagnant Water

Mosquitoes love stagnant water. This is where they lay their eggs. For the single mosquitoes ready to party, this is where the action happens. So if you see a puddle or a bit of stagnant water, choose to sit a bit further to avoid being part of the buffet…

4. Take Vitamin B

Seafood, eggs, bananas and potatoes are all rich in Vitamin B, which, with enough in your bloodstream, does not attract mosquitoes… Or at least that is what the local tales tell. But since the tip is passed from generation to generation, why not jump on the bandwagon?

If you feel like a boost, start taking Vitamin B supplements a month before your trip. Of course, ask your doctor in case of doubt.

For more pills to pop, check out the What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for American Samoa LINK#TT028.

5. Don’t Go Out Straight After the Rain

Mosquitoes are most active right after a rainstorm. The increased humidity in the air gives them wings (literally!), so give it a few hours after it has been raining before heading out.

In the meantime, you can check out one of the amazing museums in American Samoa LINK#TTD004. Otherwise, what about grabbing a bite to eat in one of the wonderful eateries LINK#TTD050 around?

Check out other rainy day activities in our 20 Things to Do in American Samoa on a Rainy Day LINK#TTD064.

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 Fiji, 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.

While mosquito-spread diseases are not common in American Samoa and dengue fever can’t be prevented with vaccines, we feel that this is still a good place to remind you of vaccines that are recommended for American Samoa, including vaccines for measles, Hepatitis A and typhoid.

Learn more about the subject in our guide, Do You Need Vaccines to Travel to American Samoa? LINK#TT026