The 10 Best Bug Sprays for Kids to Keep the Pests at Bay

When school is out for the summer, it usually means mosquitoes and other pesky bugs are, too. Mosquitoes and other biting insects are most active when the weather warms up, and being prepared with a safe and effective repellent can help protect your kids from itchy bug bites all summer long. 

When choosing a bug spray for your kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends choosing one that is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because its active ingredients (like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus) have been evaluated and approved for human safety and effectiveness. If you prefer a more natural repellent, you may want to consider one that contains citronella or soybean oil, which are exempt from EPA registration but can repel mosquitoes for short periods of time. You should also keep in mind how often you’ll have to reapply the repellent, how effective it is, and if it has a distinct scent or feel. 

To select the best bug sprays for kids, we consulted with two board-certified dermatologists, an entomologist, and a college professor who specializes in molecular biology and mosquito physiology. We then researched the top bug repellents on the market and had our editors test them at home during their normal outdoor activities. 

Our Favorite Bug Sprays for Kids

How to Apply Bug Spray to Kids Safely

When it comes to using mosquito repellent on your child, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says there are several precautions you should follow. First, parents should always read the product label before applying it on their child. If the product is safe for your child’s age, you should spray it on your hands first, then rub it on your child’s face, avoiding their eyes, mouth, and irritated skin. While applying, make sure you’re in an open, well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in the repellent.

Once finished, wash your child’s hands (and your own) to prevent the repellent from getting in their eyes or mouth, and follow the product’s instructions on how often to reapply. You should also store the repellent in a safe spot that can’t be accessed by your child. 

Can You Put Bug Spray on a Baby?

According to Blair Murphy Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, babies younger than 2 months of age should avoid insect repellent altogether. “Instead, parents should use a mosquito net or dress their child in comfortable clothing that covers as much exposed skin as possible,” Dr. Rose says. 

If your baby is older than 2 months, Dr. Rose recommends using a repellent that contains no more than 30% DEET—as long as it’s not in a pressurized can. In fact, parents should never use DEET in quantities of more than 30% on a child of any age. 

Once your baby is older than 6 months, Dr. Rose states that they are old enough to use picaridin, but they shouldn’t use oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol until they are at least 3 years old. 

DEET Safety

DEET received a bad rap in the past because of its association (1 per 1 million users) with seizures. However, these instances were mostly caused by misuse of DEET, such as applying it in a manner that was inconsistent with the label instructions. 

“Bug repellents that contain DEET are safe to use in children,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology who is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. However, you should choose the lowest concentration of DEET possible (e.g. 10%) and avoid applying DEET to infants younger than 2 months old. 

As a best practice, parents should apply DEET sparingly to their children, especially if the child is an infant or born prematurely.

Allergic Reactions

If you think that your child is having a reaction (like a rash) to an insect repellent, stop using the repellent and wash their skin with soap and water. Then, call your pediatrician or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for advice on what to do next. If you go to the doctor’s office, take the repellent container with you.

Best Overall: Off! Family Care Insect Repellent II with Picaridin

Why We Like It

This Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered mosquito repellent contains picaridin, a synthetic version of an ingredient found in pepper plants that blocks mosquitos from sensing their prey. It’s easy to apply, has no strong scent or sticky residue, and is one of the six ingredients recommended by the CDC to effectively and safely repel mosquitoes.

One of our editors who is prone to mosquito bites tested this spray on herself and her son while at the park. After two hours, neither of them had a single mosquito bite, which was a welcomed surprise. She also liked that this spray distributed as a fine, widespread mist and didn’t feel like there was anything on their skin—even after sweating. 

But Take Note

We’d love it if this spray came in a larger size. However, it was so effective and barely noticeable on our skin that we think it’s entirely worth it—even if we have to purchase it more often.

The Details:

• Active ingredient: 5% Picaridin
• Protects against: Mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, fleas, and chiggers
• Recommended age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: Every 3-4 hours

Best With DEET: Sawyer Controlled Release Family Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

Sawyer Products Premium Family Controlled Release Insect Repellent is an EPA-registered product. While gardening in his yard, one of our editors used this repellent and didn’t receive a single bite during the entire eight hours he spent outside. In fact, this family-friendly repellent can repel mosquitos and other insects for up to 11 hours. We also love that it applies like lotion, is relatively inexpensive, and comes in a tiny bottle, which makes it convenient for parents to carry in a purse, diaper bag, or backpack. 

But Take Note

Although this repellent is marketed as odorless, we think it has somewhat of an oily smell. It also left a greasy feeling on our skin, which faded (along with the scent) about an hour after applying it. Thankfully, we didn’t notice the scent on our clothes, and it didn’t appear to stain them, either. 

The Details:

• Active ingredient: 20% DEET
• Protects against: Mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers
• Recommended age: 2 months and up
• Reapplication: Up to 11 hours

Best With Picaridin: EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Insect Repellent is an EPA-registered product. We love that it contains just four ingredients, is safe to use during pregnancy, and works for up to 14 hours. After applying it to our own skin, we were able to go an entire day without being bitten, even while spending several hours at a time outdoors among visible mosquitos. 

In terms of application, we like that this repellent feels like a moisturizer and gives off a slightly sweet scent (even though it is technically unscented). We also like that its nozzle casts a wide range, which will help ensure you apply it evenly on your wiggly kiddo.

But Take Note

Although we like that this repellent comes in a spray, it did make it challenging to apply to our kids’ faces. It didn’t appear to be waterproof during our testing process, and we learned quickly that a little goes a long way—so rubbing it in was crucial to preventing a white cast on our skin.

The Details:

• Active ingredient: 20% Picaridin
• Protects against: Mosquitoes, gnats, biting flies, and chiggers
• Recommended age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: Up to 14 hours

Best Lotion: Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent is an EPA-registered product. Its thick, white consistency makes it easy to see where it’s been applied and reminds us of sunscreen—except that it lasts for up to 14 hours and doesn’t leave a white cast behind. One of our editors who tested it while working in her garden reported that it was resistant to sweat and protected her from getting bitten the several hours that she was outdoors. We think kids will like its pleasant citrus scent and parents will appreciate that it doesn’t stain clothes.

But Take Note

This lotion feels a bit greasy at first, so be sure to rub it in all the way. Also, it’s only available in a 4- or 6-ounce bottle, but its controlled release will ensure that your child is protected all day long. 

The Details:

• Active ingredient: 20% Picaridin
• Protects against: Mosquitoes and ticks 
• Recommended age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: Up to 14 hours

Best Plant-Based: Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a more natural approach to protecting your kid from bug bites, give Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent a try. Specifically, this spray contains 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus, which can provide up to six hours of protection from mosquitoes and is the only plant-based repellent recommended by the CDC.

This Cutter spray is an EPA-registered product. If your child is comfortable with a Vicks VapoRub-type smell, they won’t mind you spraying it on their skin. We like that it can also be applied to clothing to give kids an extra layer of protection.

But Take Note

Dr. Rose advises parents to save this repellent for their older kids since oil of lemon eucalyptus is not safe for children who are younger than 3 years old (mainly because of the lack of research on young children). 

The Details:

• Active ingredient: 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Protects against: Mosquitoes and ticks
• Recommended age: 3 years and up
• Reapplication: Up to 6 hours

Best Stickers: BuzzPatch Mosquito Stickers for Kids

Why We Like It

Easily the most kid-friendly option on our list, the BuzzPatch Mosquito Stickers are a fun, mess-free way to protect kids from mosquitos. Each sticker contains citronella oil, which makes it harder for mosquitos to locate your kiddo because it masks scents that attract them. According to the brand, these stickers last for up to eight hours and contain medical-grade adhesive that is also water resistant. This makes them a great alternative to spray and easy to take along for camping, a trip to a theme park, or a day at the beach. 

We love that these stickers come in a pack of 60 colorful smiley faces with specific instructions on where to place them depending on your child’s age. And since these stickers are worn on clothing rather than skin, they’re even safe for babies to wear—although you should always check with your pediatrician first.

But Take Note

Since Buzz Patch Mosquito Repellent Stickers contain citronella oil, they’re exempt from registration with the EPA. Also, each sticker only repels a certain amount of area, so older kids and adults are required to wear more. 

The Details:

• Active ingredient: 10% citronella oil
• Protects against: Mosquitoes
• Recommended age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: Up to 8 hours

Best Wipes: Cutter All Family Mosquito Wipes

Why We Like It

The Cutter All Family Mosquito Wipes are EPA-registered and cost just $7 a pack. We like that they have a pleasant citrus scent and don’t leave behind a sticky residue. And since most kids are accustomed to baby wipes, this repellent is easy to apply on little ones (but be sure to avoid your child’s eyes, mouth, and hands). 

One of our favorite things about these wipes is their size. They are a great option for parents on the go and are small enough to fit in a fanny pack. Plus, they are even within the limits for carry-on luggage, which means your family will be protected from mosquitoes as soon as they step off the plane.

But Take Note

Although relatively inexpensive, the downside to these wipes is that they need to be reapplied every two hours since the concentration of DEET is low (7.15%).

The Details:

• Active ingredient: 7.15% DEET
• Protects against: Mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, no-see-ums, chiggers, fleas
• Recommended age: 2 months and up
• Reapplication: Every 2 hours 

Best Bracelets: Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Why We Like It

If your kid puts up a fight about using bug spray, these Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets are a great alternative. They come in a colorful pack of 10 and can be worn on your child’s wrist or ankle (as long as they’re at least 3 years old). Each bracelet is effective for up to 10 days or 250 hours and can be stored in the resealable package when not in use. 

To ward off mosquitoes, these bracelets contain a mixture of essential oils, including geranium, lemongrass, and citronella oil, that have been shown to help prevent mosquito bites. And since they are waterproof, they will still protect your kiddo during a day at the beach or a dip in the pool. 

But Take Note

Since Cliganic bracelets contain a variety of essential oils, they’re exempt from registration with the EPA. Also, they aren’t for kids who are younger than 3 years old, so parents should keep them out of reach from their little ones.

The Details:

• Active ingredient: 16.05% Geranium oil, 5% lemongrass oil, 0.95% citronella oil 
• Protects against: Mosquitos
• Recommended age: 3 years and up
• Reapplication: 250 hours

Best Organic: Hello Bello Organic Bug Spray

Why We Like It

We love that this Hello Bello Organic Bug Spray is made from a mixture of organic essential oils that have been proven to repel mosquitoes. It’s hypoallergenic, contains no parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances, and is mixed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that moisturizes the skin and improves its overall health.

In addition to kids, this spray is safe for your furry family members—your pets! Hello Bello also claims it’s safe for pregnant people to use; however, we always recommend checking with your healthcare provider before doing so. 

But Take Note

Due to the essential oil ingredients, this spray isn’t recommended for babies who are younger than 6 months old. Also, it needs to be applied every four hours since it doesn’t contain active ingredients like DEET or picaridin. 

The Details:

• Active ingredients: Citronella, lemongrass, thyme, cedarwood, and peppermint oil
• Protects against: Mosquitos
• Recommended age: 6 months and up
• Reapplication: 4 hours

Best Mosquito Net: Sysmie Mosquito Net for Stroller

Why We Like It

Mosquito nets are one of the most basic yet effective ways to prevent mosquito bites. Our favorite is this Sysmie net because it extends nearly 5 feet wide and has plenty of stretch to fit over a stroller, play yard, bassinet, or car seat. This breathable net comes in a pack of two in seven colors and folds down flat, making it easy to carry along in your diaper bag and super convenient for travel. 

But Take Note

Of course, this net won’t protect your little one when they’re outside their stroller, which is why it’s also not an option for older kids. 

The Details:

• Active ingredient: None
• Protects against: Mosquitos
• Recommended age: 0-4 years
• Reapplication: None

Other Notable Bug Sprays for Kids

• OFF! Active Insect Repellent I (15% DEET): This product lived up to its promise of protecting us from mosquitoes for 4-5 hours. It was easy to apply and didn’t leave a greasy film on our skin. However, it did emit a scent and the bottle was rather small, so we’d have to replace it more often than we’d like. 
• Natrapel Tick and Insect Repellent (20% Picaridin): Although this product did a good job of protecting us from mosquitoes, it has a strong chemical-like scent and the bottle sprays too much repellent out at a time. 
• Ben’s 30% DEET Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes: We like that this repellent is easy to wipe on, however, it didn’t absorb well and we didn’t find it very effective at protecting us from mosquitoes.

Our Testing Process 

We began our research and testing process by interviewing four experts to learn about which mosquito repellent ingredients are safe, effective, and recommended by the CDC, as well as the various safety measures parents should follow when applying mosquito repellent to their children. We then researched and tested the top mosquito repellents on the market, prioritizing those recommended by the CDC, and considered products that utilize essential oils that are registered with the EPA, such as citronella and oil of lemon eucalyptus. 

When testing mosquito repellents, our editors paid close attention to the following: 

• Application: Our editors first applied a test patch on their arm and noted how easy it was to apply. After five minutes, they watched for any adverse reactions and observed how the repellent felt on their skin, how long it took to dry, how it smelled, and if it stayed on their skin when exposed to water. 
• Efficacy: Our editors wore each repellent outdoors at least five separate times. They noted how well it stayed on their skin if they began to sweat and if it protected them from bugs for the listed amount of time. 
• Portability: Lastly, we determined how portable the product was by evaluating how well it fit in a tote bag and if it leaked when carrying it around. 

Our Experts

Due to their individual expertise in biology, entomology, and dermatology, we obtained guidance from the following experts before beginning our research and testing process: 

• Immo A. Hansen, an associate professor of biology at New Mexico State University who specializes in molecular biology and physiology of mosquitoes
• Wizzie Brown, BCE, entomologist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology who is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology
• Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist

Factors to Consider When Buying Bug Spray for Kids

• Ingredients: When choosing a mosquito repellent, entomologist Wizzie Brown says the first rule of thumb is to look for an EPA-registered product that contains one of the six CDC-recommended ingredients: DEET, Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US), IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol, and 2-undecanone. Brown explains that these ingredients will protect your child from West Nile and Zika Virus, and when used as directed, EPA-registered mosquito repellents are safe and effective, even for pregnant or breastfeeding people.
• Effectiveness: Although certain essential oils can repel mosquitoes, Professor Hansen says they won’t protect you as long as ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus do because they evaporate quickly. In general, DEET is known as the gold standard for mosquito repellents, and Hansen explains that a higher concentration works for a longer period of time.
• Application Method: The most common way to apply mosquito repellent is to spray it on your hands and rub it on your skin. However, many mosquito repellents are now available in the form of lotion, wipes, stickers, and bracelets. 
• Scent and Skin Feel: Mosquito repellents have a reputation for being stinky and sticky, but that strong smell (most often from DEET) is what protects us from mosquitoes. However, picaridin is nearly odorless and just as effective as DEET, while oil of lemon eucalyptus has a distinct smell that your kiddo might be okay with.
• Duration of Protection: Mosquito repellents can last anywhere from a few hours to days at a time, depending on what repellent you use. For example, DEET repellents are available in a variety of concentrations with the strongest lasting the longest. If you’re looking to limit your child’s exposure to chemicals, using a lower concentration of DEET is one option or opting for a more natural repellent, like stickers or a bracelet. 

Who We Are

Laura Lu, MS, is a commerce and parenting writer at Parents and a mom of two. She and her family live near a bay in sunny Southern California, which makes them prone to the occasional mosquito invasion. She believes in balancing effective ingredients with natural products as much as possible and has used both Off! Family Care Insect Repellent II with Picaridin and BuzzPatch Mosquito Stickers for Kids to protect her little ones from bug bites.