Are There Mosquitoes in Samoa?
Before heading to Samoa, you will probably hear scary stories about tropical islands swarming with mosquitoes. Although the hot weather, humidity and its fair share of rainy days create the perfect environment for mosquitoes in Samoa, the situation is easily manageable by using some of the ways we list to avoid mosquito bites.
When is the Mosquito Season in Samoa?
Mosquitos are around all year in Samoa, so it’s a good idea to always have some sort of insect repellent on hand! Learn more about the seasons in our guide, Samoa Weather, Seasons & Climate.
Is There Dengue Fever and Chikungunya in Samoa?
There have been outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases in Samoa, especially dengue fever and chikungunya, which causes high fever, headache, etc. In short, it can put a real downer on your holiday, making it all the more important to take some steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Learn more about dengue fever and chikungunya and how to treat these illnesses in Samoa Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Samoa?
Is There Zika Virus in Samoa?
Less common is the Zika virus, which has historically had outbreaks in Samoa. Check travel advisories for outbreaks before you travel and discuss plans with your doctor if you are pregnant or otherwise vulnerable.
With all of the above in mind, we have designed this guide to several ways to avoid mosquito bites in Samoa. Let’s begin!
1. Protect Yourself with Mosquito Repellents
The most obvious thing to do to avoid being bitten is to push back, literally. Push the mosquitoes away with powerful insect repellent! While there are a lot of insect repellents on the market, be aware that the cheap chemical ones can be more harmful to your health than the mosquito bite itself. Ingredients in high concentrations of DEET can be pretty nasty, especially when combined with chemicals commonly found in other skin products like sunscreen and moisturiser. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 Best Insect Repellents for Samoa (That Don’t Harm You or the Planet) to help you pick natural-yet-effective options for adults and kids alike.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com2. 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. In fact, some clothing brands are starting to design clothing with insect-repellent technology integrated into the fabric. For example, ExOfficio offers full spectrum insect protection from mosquitoes, ants, ticks and even flies!
© SamoaPocketGuide.com3. 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 Samoa Packing List.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com4. Use Your Accommodation’s Mosquito Kit
Speaking of accommodation, some mid-range and luxury accommodations in Samoa have an in-room mosquito kit so you can enjoy the outdoor portions of your home-away-from-home without getting munched on. These kits usually consist of high-strength mosquito repellent and/or mosquito coils. If they have them; might as well use them (unless you’ve brought your own natural insect repellent which is likely to be better for you).
© SamoaPocketGuide.com5. Avoid Staying Inland
Although the lush green interior of Upolu and Savai’i are wonderfully attractive, it’s also attractive to mosquitos. Avoid staying in accommodation inland if you’re usually targeted by mosquitos. Inland accommodations have a much harder time controlling mosquitos. If you’re going on inland hikes or tours to plantations, needless to say, you’ll need to do some mosquito-repelling prep.
Pro tip: If you’re really worried about mosquito bites, stay in Lalomanu. When the Samoa Pocket Guide went on their latest research mission to Samoa, we observed that Lalomanu on the southeast coast of Upolu was the location with the least mosquitos. Be sure to take all of the usual mosquito-protection precautions though.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com6. Don’t Stay Near Stagnant Water
Similarly to some of the points above, 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…
© Pixabay7. 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 Samoa.
© Pixabay8. Take Antihistamine
If you have any questions about antihistamines, ask your doctor. In short, antihistamines are a remedy against an allergic reaction. Because of their active ingredients, they are also a great option to prevent bites in the first place. You can find them at any good pharmacy or get them prescribed to you by your GP. Remember, Upolu’s pharmacies are mostly limited to Apia, while Savai’i has a couple of pharmacies in Salelologa, so bring these from home in case antihistamines are not in stock. Antihistamines are another recommendation in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Samoa.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com9. Avoid the Wet Season
Not our top tip because the weather is perfect mosquito climate all year round in Samoa, but the added rainfall during the wet season means that between November and April is the worst time when it comes to mosquito activity. So if mosquitoes are a big worry, you may want to target the months of May through to October (the dry season) instead of the months of November through to April (the wet season). Learn more about the weather and climate of Samoa in our guide, Samoa Weather, Seasons & Climate.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com10. 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 Samoa. Otherwise, what about grabbing a bite to eat in one of the wonderful eateries around? Check out other rainy day activities in our 20 Things to Do in Samoa on a Rainy Day.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comWhat to Do if Bitten? Fight the Itch with Antiseptic Cream
When thinking about what to pack in your first aid kit for Samoa, 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.
© PixabayMore About Staying Healthy in Samoa
That’s it for our ways to avoid mosquito bites in Samoa. Nevertheless, we still have plenty of tips to keep yourself healthy while exploring Samoa. Check out these tips:
- 10 Best Insect Repellents for Samoa
- 10 Best (& Reef-Safe) Sunscreens for Samoa
- Is the Water Safe to Drink in Samoa?
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in Samoa Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Samoa?
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2024])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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