Protect Your Paradise: The Natural Solution for Mosquito-Free Living
“While our sense of smell
is one of the five senses we use to navigate the world around us, virtually all life uses chemical communication in some form...
They have olfactory receptors similar to ours, except theirs are located on their antennae, and are especially adapted to
detect carbon dioxide or human skin odors.”
Tropical paradises like the Cook Islands offer unparalleled beauty
Yet, even in these idyllic settings, mosquitoes remain a problem. These insects interrupt tranquillity and pose a significant health risk, especially with ongoing Dengue Fever outbreaks.
Protecting yourself and your family is essential to fully enjoying these destinations.
A Growing Mosquito Threat
When you think of the world's most dangerous animal, you might picture lions, sharks, or venomous snakes. The reality is far smaller but infinitely more dangerous: mosquitoes. These tiny insects are responsible for over one million deaths annually, not through their bite itself, but through the pathogens they carry.
Female Aedes mosquitoes, which proliferate in the Cook Islands, use their long mouthpieces (proboscis) like a "dirty needle," transmitting viruses and parasites through their saliva. Our immune system's reaction to this invasion creates the familiar itchy, inflamed bump - but the real danger lies in diseases like Zika, Dengue Fever and Chikungunya
There is a clear need for an effective, natural, gentle alternative
With the ongoing Dengue Fever outbreak in the Cook Islands, we are always protecting ourselves and our loved ones. We use different repellent solutions, like mosquito coils in our homes and repellent products on our skin.
It all began as a personal mission after I saw my husband and friends struggle with regular repellents. Their health needs and sensitivities meant they couldn’t use chemical-based products. My husband kept getting itchy rashes from the chemicals.
While studying Essential Oil Safety at the Tisserand Institute, I learned from Robert Tisserand about using essential oils in insect repellents. Inspired by this, I began to develop a safe solution for our tropical island, where Dengue Fever remains a major concern today. My goal was to offer protection and peace of mind.
Why traditional repellents fall short:
Many common insect repellents use DEET, picaridin, or other synthetic ingredients. While these are effective, they can irritate skin, harm the environment, and may pose long-term health risks. Some people, like my husband, have allergies, and these chemicals can also damage fabrics and plastics. Families with young children or sensitive skin often seek safer, more effective options.
BUGS BE GONE: a natural, effective, and skin-friendly solution
Formulated and tested in the Cook Islands, this formula addresses the limitations of conventional products by providing reliable mosquito protection without irritation or harsh chemicals.
What began as a personal necessity is now available to a wider audience.
Effective protection: Beyond basic repellence
We use three main ingredients: Citronella, Peppermint, and Turmeric Essential Oil. Each one is chosen for its proven benefits in both science and tradition, working together to provide strong protection and lower environmental impact.
Citronella is perhaps the most well-known natural repellent, and is one of only three essential oils officially registered with the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ) as an effective mosquito repellent. It has a fresh, lemony scent that people love but insects hate.
Peppermint provides significant protection duration while being gentle enough for regular skin application. It adds a cool, minty freshness that wakes up your senses and helps the repellent work even better.
& what makes our formula unique is
Turmeric Essential Oil works on multiple fronts - both as a repellent and as a larvicide, disrupting mosquito development at various life stages. It also has strong anti-inflammatory and skin-protecting benefits, helping boost the repellent effect, soothe insect bites, and protect your skin from irritation, making it a comforting skin treatment.
Together, these botanicals form a powerful defence against mosquitoes, ensuring strong protection for all outdoor activities and in the home.
Refreshing aroma: A pleasant experience
Unlike many repellents, BUGS BE GONE offers a pleasant, uplifting scent. It features bright lemony notes from Citronella and minty undertones from Peppermint. This aroma makes applying repellent a truly agreeable experience.
Natural and safe: Commitment to purity
Our BUGS BE GONE formula is carefully balanced to maximise protective benefits while staying within safe concentration guidelines for regular use. The product uses organic, sustainably sourced ingredients. It is gentle on the skin and environmentally considerate. This commitment to purity makes it ideal for sensitive skin, children (over 3 years), and those seeking eco-conscious choices.
MINDFULLY CRAFTED
The research is clear: essential oils offer effective, environmentally responsible mosquito protection backed by scientific evidence. Our BUGS BE GONE formula harnesses this research, combining three proven oils in a carefully balanced formulation.
At Manongi, each product is crafted in small batches, and I oversee every step from essence to bottle. This hands-on approach ensures exceptional, consistent quality.
Versatile application: For every lifestyle
Essential oils are naturally volatile, which means they evaporate relatively quickly - typically requiring reapplication every 2-3 hours. While this might seem like a disadvantage, it actually ensures that you're not exposing your skin to prolonged chemical contact while maintaining effective protection.
BUGS BE GONE is versatile, and we recommend using it throughout the day:
Morning Protection: Apply before starting daily activities - whether heading to work, school, or tourist attractions
Social Gathering Protocol: Reapply during extended outdoor or indoor events, sharing with family and friends
Evening Defence: Apply before sunset activities when Aedes mosquitoes become most active
BUGS BE GONE is versatile and can be applied before outdoor activities, during daily routines, or while travelling.
Available formats: Convenience and sustainability
Choose the size that fits your needs:
30 ML for when on the go,
50 ML for personal use
100 ML for families.
Save money, cut down on waste, and help the environment
New: Eco-Friendly Refills
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our ingredients. You can recycle your spray bottle by refilling it with our BUGS BE GONE pump bottles, available in 250 ML and 500 ML sizes. This approach reduces packaging waste by up to 70% and keeps your favourite repellent on hand.
Protect your moments naturally and enjoy Paradise without compromise.
References
Mosquitoes and essential oils – all you need to know, by Hana Tisserand
