what bug spray is safe for kids

8 Bug Sprays That Are Safe Enough to Use on Kids

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Full Answer

What is the best bug spray for children?

• Picaridin
• DEET (at 10% or less for children)IR3535
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) (*not recommended for children under 3 years of age)
• Paramenthane-diol (PMD) (*not recommended for children under 3 years of age)
• 2-undecanone

What are some safe deodorant for kids?

• Witch hazel is gentle enough for sensitive skin. ...
• Essential oils are extracted from plants and bottled in concentrated amounts. ...
• Mineral salts are a good alternative for aluminum. ...
• Baking soda neutralizes odor and soaks up extra moisture. ...
• Coconut oil is an antibacterial moisturizer, so it’s another great ingredient to look for in natural deodorants.

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Are insect repellents with DEET safe for kids?

Insect repellents containing DEET have been tested and approved as safe for kids, but you should take some precautions with them. Choose a repellent with no more than 10% to 30% concentration of DEET (look for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide on the label). Use lower concentrations if kids will be outside only for an hour or two.

What is the best bug spray?

• DEET
• Picaridin
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD
• IR3535
• 2-undecanone

What bug spray is good for kids?

Best Bug Sprays for Babies and KidsRepel Insect Repellent Scented Family Formula. ... OFF FamilyCare Insect Repellent. ... Ben's Tick & Insect Repellent Wilderness Formula. ... Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Spray. ... Cutter's Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent. ... California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray.More items...

Which bug spray is safe for toddlers?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, insect repellents containing DEET and picaridin are safe to use for children two months of age and older. 1 Lemon eucalyptus oil, commonly found in natural repellents, is safe for children age three and up.

Is 100% DEET safe for children?

Be safe with DEET : Do not allow children under 10 years of age to apply repellent themselves. Do not apply to young children's hands or around eyes and mouth. Do not breathe in, swallow, or get into the eyes (DEET is toxic if swallowed.) Do not put repellent on wounds or broken skin.

Why is DEET not good for kids?

Insect repellents are not recommended for children younger th an 2 months of age. DEET-containing repellents should not be harmful if parents follow directions on the label to use the product safely. DEET products can cause skin rashes especially when high concentrations are used, but these reactions are rare.

Is it safe to use RAID around children?

Raid Ant and Roach Killer spray is safe for use around children and pets when used as directed. Its effective, plant-based formula is made with essential oils, including lemongrass extract and pine tree derived geraniol. Raid Ant and Roach kills different types of ants, roaches, and other crawling and flying insects.

Is raid toxic to kids?

Raid uses ingredients like pyrethroids, cypermethrin, imiprothrin, and pyrethrin. Some are all-natural, while others are synthetic. The combination of all of them can very much be toxic. Essentially, what makes them so deadly to bugs can also make them poisonous to pets and people, especially babies.

Can I use DEET on my 4 year old?

The answer is yes. Insect repellents containing DEET have been tested and approved for kids when used as directed. You can use DEET-containing bug repellents on children ages 2 months and older, but there are some guidelines to follow: Products containing DEET should be used only once per day on children.

Is 20% DEET safe for kids?

Insect repellents containing DEET have been tested and approved as safe for kids older than 2 months. But take care when you use them: Choose a repellent with no more than 10% to 30% concentration of DEET (look for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide on the label).

Is picaridin or DEET safer for kids?

Still, after reviewing the evidence, EWG researchers concluded that it is best to use the lowest effective concentration of DEET, even though it's effective and generally safer than is commonly assumed. Picaridin is a great alternative to DEET.

Which is safer DEET or picaridin?

IS PICARIDIN SAFER THAN DEET? Comparing DEET vs Picaridin, Picaridin 20% has been proven to provide equal protection against mosquitoes and superior protection against ticks in similar concentrations without the same health concerns.

What is a natural insect repellent?

Botanical repellents, which often have “natural” on the label, can include any number of plant-based chemicals. Some common ones are lemongrass, citronella, peppermint, geraniol, soybean, and rosemary.

Is insect spray harmful to children?

Insect repellents should not be used on babies under three months old – instead keep them in a pram covered with netting in areas where mosquitoes are a problem. In older children, follow the instructions on the repellent bottle but always discontinue use if any skin irritation occurs.

Can toddlers use regular bug spray?

The answer is yes. Insect repellents containing DEET have been tested and approved for kids when used as directed. You can use DEET-containing bug repellents on children ages 2 months and older, but there are some guidelines to follow: Products containing DEET should be used only once per day on children.

What is the safest indoor bug spray?

Here are 10 safe and effective bug sprays that you may get to wipe out the pests in your home:OFF! ... Zevo Flying Insect Killer and Repellent Instant Action Spray. ... Eco Defense Bed Bug Spray. ... EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer. ... Nature-Cide All Purpose Insecticide. ... Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer. ... Spectracide Bug Stop Home Barrier.More items...•

Is Ortho bug spray safe for kids?

Product Details. Ortho Home Defense Crawling Bug Killer with Essential Oils is safe (Safe to use around kids and pets when used as directed) and strong.

Is insect spray harmful to children?

Insect repellents should not be used on babies under three months old – instead keep them in a pram covered with netting in areas where mosquitoes are a problem. In older children, follow the instructions on the repellent bottle but always discontinue use if any skin irritation occurs.

What is the EPA for insect repellent?

When picking out an insect repellent for kids and babies, your priority should be to choose one that’s registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “EPA registration of skin-applied repellent products, including DEET, indicates that they have been evaluated and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to instructions on the label,” says Robert Daguillard, a spokesperson for the EPA. “Our evaluation includes ensuring that the registered product does not harm vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.”

How long does a mosquito spray last?

Water-resistant and fragrance-free, this spray is said to provide 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks.

How many reviews does DEET wipes have?

If you're worried about spraying DEET around your kids, but want the protection DEET provides, these wipes are the perfect middle ground. With nearly 900 reviews on Amazon, the product averages 4.5 stars.

How long does a 10% DEET product last?

DEET: On the other hand, DEET is considered safe for anyone older than 2 months— the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends products that contain between 10% and 30% DEET. “The product concentration should be chosen based on the duration required; a product containing 10% DEET will provide protection for about two hours, while a concentration of 30% will last up to five hours,” says Price. “Choose the lowest concentration require based on your child’s needs.”

How to keep kids healthy?

As a parent, you’ll do nearly anything to ensure your kids stay healthy. That might include bribing them to eat more veggies, negotiating an acceptable amount of screen time, and yes, making them wear bug repellent when they’re outside. Your first instinct may be to avoid certain chemicals and reach for a “natural” insect repellent, but the truth is, many ingredients in “natural” products aren’t very effective at repelling ticks and mosquitoes. A simple bug bite may not seem like a big deal, but the health risks of exposure to those two pests are high as both mosquitoes and ticks can carry an array of diseases.

How long do wipes last in a bag?

When you're not sure where the day will take you, stash these individually wrapped wipes in your bag for on-the-go no-mess protection for 12 hours.

What does continuous spray mean?

The "continuous spray" bottle means you can apply it easily, even when the bottle is tipped upside-down (like when reaching for ankles).

How to pick the best bug spray for my family?

Follow these three steps to pick the best bug spray for your family: 1) Find out if there is a known risk of insect-borne disease in your area or the area where you will be traveling. Use the CDC maps listed below or ask your pediatrician.

How to use repellent on a child?

When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on the child. Avoid the child's eyes and mouth. Use repellent sparingly around ears. Do not apply repellent to the child's hands because children often put their hands in their mouth.

Is it safe to use DEET for kids?

Picaridin effectively repels both mosquitoes and ticks and is less likely to irritate eyes and skin when compared to other repellents. Yes, DEET is safe when used as directed – even for children.

What are the most common diseases associated with mosquito bites?

In the U.S., the diseases most commonly associated with insect bites are: West Nile virus: spread via mosquito bite. West Nile is the number one mosquito-borne disease threat in the U.S. Symptoms can include high fever, headache, stupor, tremors, convulsions and neurological damage.

Does 100% DEET repellent work?

It means it will last longer. Contrary to popular belief, bug sprays with higher concentrations – like old-school 100% DEET – are not more effective. A higher concentration means the product will last longer and therefore need fewer reapplications.

When to wash hands after applying repellent?

Tell your kids to wash their hands after applying repellent and to wash repellent-coated skin at the end of the day.

Is DEET safe for people?

Still, after reviewing the evidence, EWG concluded that DEET is generally safer than many people assume and remains a viable option for people in areas infested with disease-carrying pests. As rates of bug-borne illnesses rise, people need bug repellents that work well when it counts.

How to apply repellent to kids?

Have an adult apply repellents to kids. For spray or lotion formula, adults should apply the repellent to their own hands, then rub it onto the child's skin.

How old should a baby be to use repellent?

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises refraining from using repellent on infants younger than 2 months. One option, Asta says, is to cover your infant’s stroller with netting when in buggy outdoor areas.

How to protect yourself from mosquitoes?

Applying insect repellents whenever you might cross paths with mosquitoes or ticks is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the bites of these disease-transmitting bugs. But if you have kids, you may also be worried about the risks associated with exposure to the chemicals in insect repellents, such as deet.

How long does Deet repel mosquitoes?

Deet products earned most of our top scores, with concentrations of 15 to 30 percent providing the most reliable and longest-lasting protection—repelling mosquitoes for longer than 6½ hours for some products we tested. Four OLE products and three with picaridin also got our recommendation, providing 5 or more hours of protection.

What do kids wear to get rid of mosquitoes?

If you’re going to be in an area where there may be a lot of mosquitoes, have kids wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. If you’re going hiking or into the woods or tall grasses, make sure they also wear closed-toe shoes and tuck pants into long socks to help keep ticks from biting.

Why do kids need to shower after ticks?

Showering and performing tick checks soon after coming in from wooded or otherwise tick-heavy areas has been shown to help reduce the chances of catching a tick-borne disease, so help your kids check themselves for bites.

Is deet a hazard?

The good news: Experts say that insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency—including those containing deet—pose little hazard when used appropriately.

What to look for when buying bug spray?

The most important thing to look for when shopping for bug spray is the active ingredient (s). With a range of natural and chemical-based products available, it may take some trial-and-error to find out that works best for you. “You should look for insect repellents containing one or more of the following ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol,” Dr. Mamelak says. “Insect repellents containing DEET are considered some of the most effective.”

How long does Sawyer bug spray last?

This bug spray from Sawyer Products has gained a loyal following of outdoor enthusiasts. That is at least partially thanks to its ability to offer up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to eight hours of protection against flies, gnats, and chiggers. The other big reason is that it sprays evenly and dries quickly, without the usual sticky or greasy residue.

How much DEET should be in bug spray?

“According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, insect repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET and should not be applied to newborns and children under two months of age,” Dr. Mamelak explains.

What is picaridin spray?

A picaridin-based spray that provides hours of protection against insects and dries quickly.

What does the smell of insect repellent mean?

An insect repellent’s scent can also mean the difference between using it and venturing off into the woods without protection. No one expects to love the smell of bug spray, but you want to at least be able to tolerate it. For instance, “lemon eucalyptus oil can have a rather potent smell that sometimes can be overpowering,” Dr. Mamelak notes, while others will choose that aroma over the one of chemicals every time.

What essential oils are good for mosquitoes?

“Lavender, peppermint, basil, garlic and eucalyptus smell great in their own right and also help repel mosquitoes,” Thomas Marbut, general manager and corporate trainer at Mosquito Squad tells Verywell Health .

How old do you have to be to use lemon eucalyptus oil?

The EPA cautions against using some oil of lemon eucalyptus products in children under the age of three

How to protect your child from insects?

One way to protect your child from biting insects is to use insect repellents. When there's a possibility of getting a serious illness, such as Lyme disease, transmitted by an insect bite, make sure you choose repellent that is effective—meaning that it works well.

What if my child has a reaction to an insect repellent?

If you suspect that your child is having a reaction to an insect repellent, such as a rash:

How to get rid of a child's face?

Avoid repellent candles that may trigger breathing problems when fumes are inhaled. Never spray insect repellent directly onto your child's face. Instead, spray a little on your hands first and then rub it on your child's face. Avoid the eyes and mouth. Do not spray insect repellent on cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.

How long does 10% DEET last?

For example, 10% DEET provides protection for about 2 hours , and 30% DEET protects for about 5 hours. Concentrations of more than 50% DEET provide no added protection.

Why keep repellents out of children's reach?

Keep repellents out of young children's reach to reduce the risk of unintentional swallowing.

What diseases are transmitted by insects?

Insect-transmitted illnesses include Lyme Disease, West Nile Disease, Zika, and others from mosquito and tick bites. And according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), insect-borne illnesses are on the rise. One way to protect your child from biting insects is to use insect repellents.

How to keep a baby from getting infected by bugs?

Instead, use mosquito netting over baby carriers or strollers in areas where your baby may be exposed to insects. Avoid applying repellent to children's hands; children sometimes put hands in their mouth and eyes. Avoid repellent candles that may trigger breathing problems when fumes are inhaled.

What is the best insect repellent for kids?

Best Insect Repellents. When choosing an insect repellent for your kids, the most long-lasting insect repellent will have either DEET or Picaridin as an active ingredient. 3. Insect repellent choices can include: Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes (10 percent Picaridin)

How to protect kids from insect bites?

Since bites are itchy, even without any worries about health problems, protect your kids from insect bites by having them apply an insect repellent when they will be outside.

How Long Do Insect Repellents Last?

And that usually depends on how long your child will be outside.

What is Avon bug guard?

Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard, which has IR3535 as its active ingredient, is also thought to provide reasonably long-lasting protection. 4 The Skin-So-Soft products with IR3535 are all combination products that include both an insect repellent and a sunscreen.

How to stop kids from getting bit?

In addition to an insect repellent, try dressing your kids in thin, loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeve clothing, encouraging your kids to wear socks and shoes instead of sandals, avoiding scented soaps and other things that might attract mosquitoes and other bugs, and controlling mosquitoes and other insects where your kids play.

Can you use oil of lemon eucalyptus on kids?

There are caveats with natural insect repellents that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), a plant-based insect repellent. It can't be used on kids under age 3 years old. 1. It doesn't last as long as DEET or picaridin.

Can you use lemon eucalyptus as an insect repellent?

Using an essential oil or " pure" oil of lemon eucalyptus is not recommended as an insect repellent, as the EPA has never tested the safety or effectiveness of essential oils for this purpose. 4

What does the star mean in a bug repellent?

The stars are meant to call out the essential oils that seem particularly good at repelling that bug. It’s not really scientific which ones got a star and which ones didn’t; it’s more subjective based on a few things: my personal use and experience, any research reports I stumbled upon, and how many other homemade bug repellents also use that EO to ward off that bug. So it’s really just shorthand for me and you to know which essential oils I’d go to first to repel that bug.

How much witch hazel should I use for eyeballs?

2 oz of witch hazel (This doesn’t need to be exact. I just eyeball it by filling the bottle a little less than half full)

Can you mix water and oil for bug spray?

oils and water don’t mix, so be sure to shake the bug spray before you use it

How to reduce the risk of pesticide poisoning in children?

Tips To Reduce Kids’ Chances of Pesticide Poisoning. As the above case study shows, you should avoid the wide spraying of chemicals in areas where children may come in contact with them. Other steps you can take include: Avoiding indiscriminately spraying insecticides such as bug bombs.

What is the most important factor in repellents?

The most important factor is the dose-time relationship .”. The dose -time relationship is actually fairly easy to understand, and it helps to explain why many concerns about harmful chemical repellents are overstated. A dose is the amount of chemical to which a person or animal is exposed. Time measures the length of exposure.

What is the most important factor in pesticide safety?

The most important factor is the dose-time relationship .” The dose-time relationship is actually fairly easy to understand, and it helps to explain why many concerns about harmful chemical repellents are overstated.

Why are children at risk for toxicity?

That’s due to a very simple reason: Children or infants’ toxicity risk is directly related to how much of the toxic chemical they come into contact with and how long that contact lasts. Consider some real world scenarios. You discover a terrible infestation of, say, cockroaches in your child’s room.

When will weed killers be legal in 2020?

July 31, 2020. Bug sprays, weed killers, and basically any kind of eradicating chemical frighten people. Just consider the case of glyphosate, a 40-year-old weed killer that many consider extremely safe. In recent years, though, concern about its effects on people and the environment has grown, leading to legal cases and increased calls ...

Can bug spray cause chronic exposure?

The only problem is that you fail to eliminate all of the bugs. That leads to repeated spraying and your child coming into contact with much smaller doses of the chemical over a lengthy period of time. You can see how even the best safe indoor bug spray could cause chronic exposure.