Insect Repellent (Bug Spray) for Kids: What Parents Should Know

First published August 2015
Updated August 2025

When the weather gets warm, kids love to play outside. Whether it's playing in the yard, a trip to the park, or hiking, being outdoors is fun—but it also means dealing with bugs. Mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects can bite and make kids itchy, or even sick. Wearing long pants and sleeves is not always do-able in hot weather, that’s why insect repellent is important.

Why Do We Need Insect Repellent?

Bug bites are not just annoying—they can be harmful too. Some bugs carry germs that can make people sick. Mosquitoes and ticks can spread diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, dengue fever, and more. Using insect repellent helps keep bugs away, so your child can play safely.

What’s In Insect Repellent?

There are different ingredients and types (spray, lotion, wipes) of bug repellents. Some work better than others, and some are better for kids.

• DEET: This is a common ingredient that works well and has more than 70 years of safe, super helpful use. DEET is safe for use in children over 2 months of age when used as directed. Be sure to select a repellent with no more than 30% DEET. A product with 5% DEET can provide protection for up to two hours whereas a product with 30% can provide protection up to six hours.

• Picaridin (Icaridin): This ingredient works well and has been used for 20 years. It works like DEET but doesn’t have a strong smell. It repels bugs at the same level seen with a 10% concentration of DEET. This can be found in many insect repellents sold at common retail stores.

• Natural Alternatives (citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus, essential oils): These plant-based options can work, but may need to be used more often, and do not keep all bugs away. Most are not safe for kids under 3 years of age.
• Permethrin: This ingredient has been used for more than 50 years, does a great job, but should NOT be applied to skin. It can be used on clothing, shoes, and camping equipment-not on skin.

Safety Tips

• Follow instructions: Always follow the instructions on the bug product and use it the right way. Put more on when the instructions say to.
• Use your hands: Don’t spray repellent near the face or eyes. Instead, put it on your hands first, then gently put it on their face if it’s safe.
• Keep it out of reach: Keep bug repellents in a safe place where little kids can’t get to them.
• Remove product: Wash your child’s skin with soap and water after use.
• Do not scratch: If your child does have bug bites, keep their fingernails trimmed short and clean to prevent infection.