Is It Safe to Use Insect Repellents During Pregnancy? What Moms Need to Know
13 Jun 2025
Pregnancy already comes with a long list of do’s and don’ts, so if you're wondering whether insect repellents are safe to use, you're not alone! Mosquito bites aren’t just itchy and annoying—they can also carry serious diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, and malaria, which can be harmful during pregnancy.
The good news? Most insect repellents are safe to use during pregnancy when applied correctly. Here’s what you need to know about choosing a safe repellent and protecting yourself from bug bites.
Picaridin – Odorless and just as effective as DEET, but gentler on sensitive skin.
IR3535 – A synthetic amino acid that repels mosquitoes and other insects. Found in some baby-safe repellents.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) – A natural alternative, though not recommended for babies under 3 years old. Avoid "homemade" or unverified natural repellents (like essential oils) unless recommended by a healthcare provider—many are ineffective and could cause skin irritation.
Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing—avoid applying to areas covered by clothing.
Use only as needed—don’t overapply.
Avoid spraying directly on your face—spray on hands first, then apply to face.
Wash off repellent when you come indoors with soap and water.
Do not apply repellent to broken skin or near eyes and mouth.
Use repellent in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling fumes.
Pro Tip: For added protection, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks, and stay indoors during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).
Are Insect Repellents Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when used as directed. Studies have shown that these repellents do not pose a risk to a developing baby when applied to the skin in normal amounts. In fact, avoiding mosquito bites (especially in Zika-prone areas) is far more important than the minimal risk of using repellents.Best Pregnancy-Safe Insect Repellents
When choosing an insect repellent, look for EPA-approved active ingredients:Safe & Effective Repellents:
DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) – The most effective repellent against mosquitoes and ticks. Safe when used as directed.Picaridin – Odorless and just as effective as DEET, but gentler on sensitive skin.
IR3535 – A synthetic amino acid that repels mosquitoes and other insects. Found in some baby-safe repellents.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) – A natural alternative, though not recommended for babies under 3 years old. Avoid "homemade" or unverified natural repellents (like essential oils) unless recommended by a healthcare provider—many are ineffective and could cause skin irritation.
How to Use Insect Repellent Safely During Pregnancy
To minimize risks and maximize protection, follow these safety tips:Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing—avoid applying to areas covered by clothing.
Use only as needed—don’t overapply.
Avoid spraying directly on your face—spray on hands first, then apply to face.
Wash off repellent when you come indoors with soap and water.
Do not apply repellent to broken skin or near eyes and mouth.
Use repellent in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling fumes.
Pro Tip: For added protection, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks, and stay indoors during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).
