10 Best Pregnancy-Safe Bug Sprays and Mosquito Repellents in 2023
Usually, the summer season tends to be hot and humid. Even if you don’t live in a bug-heavy area, you might notice an increasing number of bugs and swarms of insects flying around. As an expecting mom, you should keep yourself safe from all the flying bugs and biting insects because you have a high risk of getting infected with dengue, Zika, or other mosquito-borne diseases during pregnancy. That’s why you need to find an effective bug spray while pregnant. But what kinds of bug sprays are effective and safe to use during pregnancy. That’s a common question that comes to many pregnant women’s minds.
To keep themselves safe from bugs, expecting moms often become tempted to use bug sprays that contain unsafe ingredients or chemicals. You need to make sure the product you use during pregnancy is 100% safe for yourself and your unborn baby. The task of finding a pregnancy-safe bug spray or mosquito repellent from many options can seem tricky.
Thankfully, we have found some bug sprays and mosquito repellents that are safe to use during pregnancy. Since you are here, just go through our list to find a suitable one for yourself.
Pregnancy-Safe Bug Sprays & Mosquito Repellents
Our Top 3 Picks
Babyganics Bug Repellent and Sunscreen Spray
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Babyganics has been a go-to brand for many new moms for its high-quality mom and baby care products. And this Babyganics Bug Spray is no different. A safe alternative to DEET-based bug repellents, you will be glad to know that it is free from PABA, phthalates, parabens, fragrances, or nanoparticles. Yet this plant-based bug repellent works great to protect your whole family from mosquitoes, ticks, and more.
Not just from bugs, the product will also protect you from harmful UV rays because it includes a blend of ingredients that are only found in pregnancy-safe sunscreens, which include zinc oxide, octocrylene, and octisalate. As a result, you can enjoy protection from pesky insects and sun exposure for around 2-3 hours each time you apply it. And you will like how it easily spreads on the skin.
You can utilize one pack for an entire summer. Since it comes with a compact, travel-friendly size and design, you can carry it anywhere you want. However, it has a strong scent that might work against sensitive skin.
Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray
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Are you looking for an all-natural bug spray during pregnancy? Then, check out this Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray, which utilizes clean and effective organic ingredients like organic castor oil, soybean oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil, lemongrass essential oils, and cedar oil to repel bugs and mosquitoes. In addition, the inclusion of organic castor oil and rosemary oil helps keep your skin soft and gentle.
Free from synthetic chemicals, DEET, and petroleum ingredients, you will enjoy peace of mind while using this product during pregnancy. Additionally, the product is gluten and soy-free to keep your sensitive skin safe from all the annoying skin issues. On top of that, it has a pleasant citrus scent that will make you feel fresh each time you apply it.
Finally, the repellent spray makes it super easy to carry and apply. You can use the spray to apply it to hard-to-reach areas for optimal protection. And Badger claims that their anti-bug spray offers around 3-hours of perfection.
All Terrain Herbal Armor Natural Insect Repellent
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If you are looking for a non-toxic yet effective solution to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other pesky insects while pregnant, then stop looking around and grab the All Terrain Herbal Armor Natural Insect Repellent. It has been a go-to bug spray for families for years. The highly potent formula of All Terrain Herbal Armor keeps bugs away without having any toxic chemicals or GMOs.
The formula is prepared using six naturally-sourced essential oils to ensure 100% safety for you and your family. Knowing that it’s toxic-free will give you peace of mind. Citronella oil is one of the main components of this bug repellent spray. This oil not only keeps most bugs off your skin and clothing but also out of your house. Since the formula doesn’t stain clothes, you can use it without being worried about damaging your clothes.
Apart from that, the bug repellent is safe for children as well. The effectiveness of this repellent spray lasts for a while. Even if you have a heightened sense of smell, you will find it easy-going for yourself.
Pregnancy-Safe Bug Sprays & Mosquito Repellents
Rated Highly by Parents and Experts
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OFF! Botanicals DEET-Free Insect Repellent
If you are searching for a super-effective bug spray while pregnant, then you can try the OFF! DEET-Free Insect Repellent. With mostly plant-based ingredients, it is safe to try during pregnancy. Not to mention, you will get to enjoy peace of mind for not using a chemical-based repellent.
Whether you are resting in your home or chilling in the backyard, it will protect you from a wide array of insects, including gnats, ticks, mosquitoes, and more. Know that you can spray it on both the clothes and the skin. The product has no strong scent, so don’t worry about your extra-sensitive skin during pregnancy.
Its dye-free formula offers effective protection for up to 2 hours. Therefore, you need to reapply it after every two hours for continued protection. Also, the formula soaks in well without leaving any greasy residue. Moreover, it comes in a few variations with different sizes to suit your family’s needs. We highly recommend giving this insect repellent a try during pregnancy.
Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
If you are looking for a DEET-free insect repellent that can keep the bugs away for hours, then the REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is ideal. Not just does it come with an easy-to-apply pump, but you will also love how pleasant its citrus smell is.
You are free to apply it to your skin since it has no harmful active ingredients. Unlink many regular bug sprays; it quickly absorbs onto the skin without making your skin feel sticky or greasy. You don’t have to reapply it every other hour because one application can give you protection for up to six hours.
Both adults and kids can use this product since it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. However, be careful if you have extra-sensitive skin because it has a strong scent. All in all, it’s a good bug spray for indoor and outdoor family adventures.
Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
Aside from mosquitoes, if you think of purchasing a bug spray to handle all the insects in one solution, then go with the Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent. A single pump spray is a perfect option for all members of your family.
This insect repellent formula contains oil of lemon eucalyptus to provide protection for up to six hours from the West Nile, Dengue, and Chikungunya viruses. It works gently on different skin types while being tough for bugs. The best part, the product neither contains pesticides nor chemicals that might make you feel uncomfortable while pregnant. As a result, you will enjoy peace of mind whenever you apply it.
Moreover, the insect repellent comes with a pumping system to make the application easy. You can even use it on different things, including clothing and gear. However, it has a pleasant fragrance but feels slightly overpowering at first.
Sky Organics Organic Bug Spray
Are you looking for a safe alternative to toxic bug repellents during pregnancy? Well, here is a plant-based natural bug repellent spray from Sky Organics. It is one of the safest bug sprays for pregnant women out there. Apart from safe ingredients, its effective formula offers lasting protection from annoying mosquitos, flies, and ticks.
Unlike regular bug repellents, it is free from DEET, alcohol, and other toxic ingredients. Even better? It uses bug-repelling natural oils such as lemongrass, lavender, and citronella. Therefore, it is safe for all age groups and situations. Whether you are hunting, fishing, riding, or having a BBQ party with your family and friends, it is a perfect solution.
When you apply it to your skin, it doesn’t leave any weird oily residue behind. In addition, most users like its light, refreshing lemongrass scent. With a single application, you will understand it is no less effective than DEET-based repellents. The plus- it’s non-toxic, all-natural.
Recommended Pregnancy-Safe Bug Sprays & Mosquito Repellents
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Avon Skin So Soft Plus
Avon Skin So Soft Plus is a bug repellent and sunscreen combo like the Babyganics Spray. The main difference is that Babyganics Spray has a higher SPF rating, whereas the Avon Skin So Soft Plus offers better bug protection. If you don’t like the strong scent of Babyganics Spray, Avon is undoubtedly an excellent alternative option.
Considering the user convenience, it comes with an easy-to-use spray can. Aside from that, you will love how this bug repellent offers instant protection from bugs, insects, and mosquitoes. Additionally, you will like how Avon has combined repellent and sunscreen within a single bottle. This feature comes in super handy whenever you are traveling or a little away from home.
Also, the blend of this Avon Skin So Soft is water-resistant. So it stays on your skin for a while, even if you spend a fair amount of time in the family pool this summer. The best thing about this product is its innovative formula offer lasting protection from mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and biting midges. However, you might need a separate sunscreen for better protection from sun exposure.
Quantum Health Buzz Away Extreme
Check out yet another plant-based bug repellent. With this Quantum Health Buzz Away Extreme, keeping bugs and insects at bay will seem like an easy-going solution. That’s because it has a proven effective formula created from quality, science-backed ingredients.
Though DEET-free, the repellent helps keep most kinds of mosquitoes, ticks, flies, gnats, and biting midges away like regular DEET-based bug repellents. Furthermore, this insect repellent formula works great for most skin types. But when you use it at first, you may experience a strong scent. However, the scent goes away quickly. Since it’s an all-natural product, you can try it for your whole family.
Unlike Avon, Quantum doesn’t combine sunscreen and repellent in a single product. It might seem convenient for many to carry one rather than two separate bottles. However, you should know that sunscreen and repellent together don’t work as effectively as when you use them separately. For ideal protection from the sun, you should use other pregnancy-safe skincare products.
Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent
From first aid to insect repellent, Sawyer is well-known for offering effective and reliable products for outdoor adventures. They have some of the best-rated bug repellents on Amazon. This Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent is one of them. Effective against most common insects, it contains 0.5% Permethrin, a synthetic chemical that can kill insects. Therefore, it is an excellent bug spray for pregnant women to use on their outfits.
Don’t worry about getting stains on your clothes because it is formulated in a way so that it doesn’t stain clothes. The best part is a one-time application can give you protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and mites for up to 6 weeks. Once sprayed onto your clothing and gears, you will experience zero odor.
Though it is safe for both skin and outfits, the manufacturer recommends using it only for outfits and travel gears. For skin usage, Sawyer has another formula with 20% Picaridin.
Read Also: Best Cleaning Products for Pregnancy
Pregnancy-Safe Bug Sprays and Mosquito Repellents
Questions & Answers
Are bug sprays and mosquito repellents safe to use during pregnancy?
Bug sprays and mosquito repellents are essential for pregnant women. Not only insects and bugs are annoying, but they can also be harmful to expecting moms. From inflamed and itchy bumps to various viruses, the threat is real.
The good news is most bug sprays and mosquito repellents are safe during pregnancy and postpartum when used as directed. Even most common insect repellent ingredients are considered safe by the EPA and FDA.
DEET is one of the most common active ingredients found in insect repellents to repel biting bugs such as mosquitoes and ticks. Even though a small percentage of DEET in insect repellents won’t cause any harm, it’s better to go for a DEET-free insect repellent during pregnancy. Below are some common alternatives to DEET used in insect repellents.
- Picaridin
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-Undecanone
What are some pregnancy-safe bug spray brands?
If you are struggling to find the right repellent for you, it’s better to choose one from a well-known brand. Let’s take a look at some pregnancy-safe bug spray brands that you can trust to repel, mosquitoes, pests, and bugs without much worry.
- Cutter
- Avon
- Off
Conclusion
Getting bitten by mosquitoes and being affected by viruses like Zika and Dengue is the last thing you want during pregnancy. Therefore, you should take maximum precaution while attending special outdoor events or gatherings during pregnancy.
To protect yourself and your unborn baby, follow CDC travel alerts and recommendations while traveling to areas with the risk of Zika. It is especially recommended for moms-to-be to wear protective clothing and use an effective bug spray or mosquito repellent. From the above-listed pregnancy-safe bug sprays, you will surely find an effective and safe solution.