The 4 Best Bug Sprays for Kids of 2024

Effective Ingredient: 20% Picaridin | Application Method: Spray

Sawyer Insect Repellent is a versatile picaridin spray recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as safe and effective for most people in most environments. Our testers liked the evaporating smell and how the spray feels when dry. Our tests showed it was effective against various bugs, and testers thought it worked as well on gear as it does on skin. It comes with two lids to help prevent accidental leaks, and the bottle is petite enough to fit almost anywhere.

While the dual lid design stops a leaking mess from happening, it can be annoying to monitor multiple lids, and kids will likely lose them. Also, the smaller bottle means you might need to pack both bottles depending on the length of your trip or the number of family members. Sawyer is an effective and easy-to-use spray with no offensive smell and comprehensive coverage for every member of the family and most bugs. If you plan on applying bug spray frequently, you might be happier with a larger bottle like OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent that has a larger lid and sprays evenly.

Effective Ingredient: 7% DEET | Application Method: Spray

OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent is a pleasant-smelling product with a lower DEET % suitable for skin applications, as recommended by the CDC. The bottle is easy to use, has a larger lid, and sprays evenly with a fine mist for good coverage. In our tests, it was effective against various bugs, including biting flies around horses, and some users liked the smell.

DEET isn't known for its lovely scent or skin-friendly after-feel, and this spray is no different. However, the added fragrance was well-liked or at least well-tolerated by our testers. However, fragrances always mean more chemicals, so you'll want to spot-test it before use to ensure it doesn't include anything that might irritate your child's skin. Overall, this budget-priced spray is effective and works well. If a leaky bottle dissuades you, check out the Sawyer Insect Repellent. The dual lid design helps prevent the spray from leaking.

Effective Ingredient: 7% DEET | Application Method: Spray

Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent is a skin-friendly choice with added aloe to soothe irritated skin. Our testers generally liked the smell and how it felt on the skin. The bottle is easy to use, and the spray pattern is even, with no spitting. It seems effective against most bugs in our tests, though, in fairness, we didn't go to heavily tick-infested areas during testing. This product contains the CDC-recommended safe percentage of DEET for skin, and you can use the spray on your gear for another layer of protection.

The bottle we purchased leaked during shipment and continued to leak during testing when transported sans lid. It also has an added scent that some testers liked, but others strongly disliked. The smell adds more chemicals to the ingredient list, so you'll want to spot-check this spray to ensure your little one's skin isn't irritated. Overall, we like this spray and think it is an effective solution for most people, especially if you want something for dry skin or dislike the DEET after-feel. Another option you might want to consider is the leak-free and odor-evaporating Sawyer Insect Repellent. This spray is effective and our favorite for many reasons.

Effective Ingredient: 40% DEET | Application Method: Spray

Repel Sportsmen Max Formula has a higher percentage of DEET indicated for use in areas with known insect outbreaks or for pre-treatment gear and clothing. This product is good for spraying hats, backpacks, shoes, socks, pants, etc. It can deter bugs from crawling up your shoes or dropping on your hair. It worked well in our tests, and we didn't experience any staining.

A higher percentage of DEET is generally not recommended for skin or children under typical circumstances. Plus, it smells more intense than much of the competition, so you'll want to “air out” your gear outdoors after treatment before you wear it. We believe layering insect protection is a good strategy for keeping bugs away. Treating your clothes can provide additional protection for you and your loved ones without increasing your skin's chemical load. If you're going out for adventures with known infestations or into an area with a history of outbreaks, you'll be glad you're packing this heavy hitter to keep insects away. However, it might be a bit overkill for a day at the park. The REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent may suffice for those days of play around the neighborhood. Though it's not the best for insect-borne illnesses, it is a DEET-free option with a nice scent available in pocket size.

Effective Ingredient: Permethrin | Application Method: Spray

Sawyer Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent is a pre-treatment spray for clothing and other gear. Pre-treating your gear and clothing adds an additional layer of protection from insects by creating a first line of defense that doesn't require putting more chemicals directly on your skin. This spray bottle is large, has an even spray pattern, and is easy to apply. The manufacturer claims it is effective for up to 6 weeks of protection or six wash cycles.

Permethrin is a neurotoxin for cats and should not be used near pets or neighborhood cats to avoid health problems or death. Also, it can potentially melt certain plastics, so you should avoid spraying plastics. Testers also report staining on some materials, so you'll want to do a spot check before spraying all your gear if staining is a concern. Overall, an additional layer of protection is a bonus, especially if you're in areas with known risks or staying overnight. A repellent tent is an excellent first layer of defense against bugs while you sleep, and every layer increases your level of overall protection from insect-borne illness. Another recommendation for pre-treatment is Repel Sportsmen Max Formula. It's effective, long-lasting, and didn't stain clothing during testing.

Effective Ingredient: Lemon Eucalyptus Oil | Application Method: Spray

REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is an oil-based repellent that uses lemon eucalyptus oil to combat bothersome bugs. It comes in a palm-size bottle that didn't leak during our tests, is brightly colored, and smells nice.

In our tests, this repellent didn't work that well, and most users didn't see any significant difference between using and not using it. Even if it offers some efficacy, it doesn't appear to be enough to provide adequate protection in areas with known insect-related illness outbreaks. Given the questionable efficacy, it is hard to recommend it for locations deep in the woods or Lymes and Zika territories. Also, some people with sensitive skin report getting rashes when using this oil, as it is a known skin irritant, so you'll want to spot test before you go hog wild. Experts agree it should not be used on children under three years old for this reason. While you might consider this a potential contender for backyard fun, where serious efforts to keep bugs at bay are less important, we don't see this as a real solution for adventures in insect-filled environments. Instead, turn to a more effective bug spray like the OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent.

Effective Ingredient: Lemon Eucalyptus Oil | Application Method: Spray

Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is a lemon eucalyptus oil option with a strong smell. It doesn't contain DEET or picaridin, which are chemicals some people are trying to avoid. It comes in an easy-to-use bottle with an even spray and a cap to help prevent leaks. Our testers didn't mind the smell of this product but didn't feel it did much to detract bugs.

The lack of proven ability to repel bugs makes this option a no-go for areas with known outbreaks of insect-borne illnesses. It might be suitable for backyard barbeques, but even then, you risk bug bites and more, as we did in our tests. While protection is questionable, the oil is a known irritant for those with sensitive skin, and we recommend doing a spot test before you spray this everywhere just in case it causes a rash. It is not recommended for children under the age of 3, so parents should look elsewhere for younger children. We weren't impressed with this option, but we understand why some might consider it. Those who prefer a soothing bug spray should look at the skin-friendly Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent, which contains aloe.

Effective Ingredient: Natural oils | Application Method: Spray

Babyganics Bug Spray is a formulation of oils and other natural ingredients that claims to deter bugs. It comes in a travel-sized bottle with an easy-to-use spray cap. This spray smells nice, and the bottle fits almost anywhere, even in your pocket.

Our tests showed no efficacy using this spray; some testers felt it even attracted bugs. None of the ingredients have been shown effective against bugs, and some of the ingredients are known to cause skin irritation. If you are concerned with keeping your baby bug-safe, experts recommend netting products over chemicals, even natural products. We prefer a more effective spray like the picaridin-based Sawyer Insect Repellent, which also comes in a bottle small enough for travel.

How We Test Bug Spray

Before making product selections, we did a lot of research on bug spray and insect repellants. It was really important to us that we understand which ingredients are safe and effective for each family member. We don't think there is a blanket solution for all outdoor bug needs, and we recommend you do your research as well. A strategy that works well for a 6-year-old will not be one you want to use for a 6-week-old. After much research, we settled on the products in this lineup. We assessed each spray side-by-side for feel, ease of use, smell, efficacy, and more to determine rank and award winners. Our award winners are those products that worked well at keeping bugs at bay and were well-received by wearers for smell and feel.

Why Trust GearLab

This bug spray review was led by Senior Review Editor, Wendy Schmitz. Wendy has a degree in biological sciences with a concentration in chemistry. She is a mother of 2 and has been analyzing gear since 2014. The sprays chosen for this review were tested hands-on and side-by-side in various outdoor situations and adventures to determine how well they work with various insect types and outdoor conditions. We did not travel to areas with significant tick activity.

Analysis and Test Results

In this review of impressive contenders, we purchased and tested the bug sprays. We considered metrics such as efficacy, safety, ease of application, and how each feels and smells to determine the best options.

Effective & Safe

There are loads of repellents for sale, ranging from sprays and lotions to wristbands and personal air fans, creating a bubble of repellent around you. Unfortunately, not all products are considered safe or effective. You might have many products to choose from, but some are virtually useless, and others are potentially unsafe. Which choice is right for you depends on where you plan to go, how long you plan to be there, and who needs protection from what. Not all products will always repel every kind of bug, so we recommend having realistic expectations and practicing safe layering of deterrents when appropriate. Suppose your plans include areas with known insect-related issues. In that case, we recommend skin repellent (1st layer), pre-treated clothing (2nd layer), long sleeves and pants (limited access to the skin), hats (3rd layer), and possible netting protection (4th layer) to up your protection game.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other experts agree three bug-repellent chemicals are generally considered safe and effective. The recommended concentration of these ingredients changes depending on the area you plan to visit and the stats of insect-borne illnesses found there. For instance, if visiting a site with high levels of tickborne illness like Lyme's Disease, you'll see the recommendation includes a higher percentage concentration of deterrent as contracting Lymes can be more hazardous to your health than the potential concerns related to some repellents.

The Top Expert Recommended Repellents

These active ingredients exhibit low-risk levels combined with adequate coverage.

• DEET in concentrations typically under 10% in most locations*
• Picaridin in concentrations of 20% or less when used on the skin in most environments
• IR3535 in concentrations of no more than 20% for children

*According to the CDC, if you plan to be in an environment with more significant concerns for Lyme bacteria or Zika, it could be appropriate to use higher concentrations of DEET (20-30%) for maximum protection against illness, as the risks from the disease outweigh risks related to the deterrents.

There have been concerns about DEET and health in the past, but recent studies indicate there is less risk than previously thought, and levels under 10% are generally considered safe for most people. Picaridin is typically viewed as less irritating to the eyes and skin. It works on all the major insect offenders and has a smell that dissipates when the spray dries, making it a popular choice with outdoor enthusiasts. IR3535 can irritate the eyes but has fewer known safety concerns than DEET or Picaridin. Unfortunately, this ingredient is typically found in combination products paired with sunscreen, which we don't recommend as you need to reapply sunscreen more frequently than bug spray. Discussing your particular situation or any underlying medical concerns with your doctor before choosing is always a good idea to find the protection you need with your personal details in mind.

We included a handful of options with more natural ingredients for repellents. Many people are concerned about certain chemicals' health implications and want to give these products a fair shake despite not being listed as effective by experts. Spoiler alert: They weren't very effective in our tests, and some users reported skin irritation and rashes after using the products.

Our Test Results

After testing, we felt Picaridin is the most effective on the broadest range of bug types while also being well-tolerated by most users. DEET options were also effective but were often combined with strong scents or left skin feeling dry, and some testers resisted using them for these reasons. You don't want to fight with your children about using bug spray. After extensive research, we found that Picaridin is recommended more often as a good option for almost everyone, making it an excellent product to keep on hand for families. Our favorite is Sawyer Insect Repellent, which has an even spray pattern, rubs in quickly, and doesn't smell once dry.

DEET products required re-application more frequently in our tests to keep bug activity under control. OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent seemed effective against biting flies around horses, and Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent appears to be the same as OFF! for efficacy, but it includes aloe for softer skin and less of the dry feeling DEET can cause. Both options are scented and can seem intense at first, but most testers didn't consider the smells as deal-breakers.

If your outing is in a tick-infested area or with high illness rates, you'll want to consider products with higher concentrations of DEET. Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max has 40% DEET and should be used on gear, clothing, or areas of great concern. Layering repellent methods is also a good idea, like lower levels of DEET on the skin with higher percentages on the clothing layer over top. Tick-borne illnesses are no joke; we recommend following medical advice and manufacturer's instructions to avoid coming out of the woods with more than just good memories.

“Natural repellents” in our tests weren't very effective. Specifically, Babyganics Bug Spray wasn't effective on any bug of concern, and some felt the smell even attracted mosquitoes. The ingredients in all of the oil-based products could be irritating and potentially cause rashes and should not be used on children under three years old. REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent and Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent were also less effective in our tests. While arguably more effective than Babyganics, users didn't see much difference between using the repellents and using nothing, with equal insect activity or bites. The CDC does not recommend using these options if you are going to areas with known risks of insect-borne diseases, as the risk is too high to go with unproven ingredients.

Clothing & Gear Pre-treatment

For more protection than you can get by applying the spray to the skin only, experts recommend treating clothing and gear to create another layer of protection. Treated clothing or equipment like hats, backpacks, and tents can help create a protective bubble of repellent that prevents bugs from landing on you or crawling over you to find open skin. It makes us think of the Peanuts cartoon character Pigpen and his cloud of dirt. Higher concentrations of DEET or Permethrin can be sprayed on items before your outing and can last longer than your adventure to help provide more layers of protection. While generally considered safe, both ingredients can melt certain plastics, so you'll want to avoid using them on plastic surfaces, and we recommend spot-checking fabric to avoid staining. However, we think staining is preferable to bug bites and serious illnesses.

Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max Formula is an excellent product for gear with a higher concentration of DEET (40%). While this percentage is not generally recommended for skin in most situations, it is helpful for your clothing and outdoor gear.

Ease of Application

Because bug spray is often necessary to avoid illness, you want something easy to apply so you'll use it when needed. During testing, we found sprays are the most straightforward application for ease of use. Lotions can be difficult when trying to reach every body part, and aerosols can create a cloud with particles so small you can inhale them. We don't think inhaling aerosolized repellent chemicals is a good idea, so we didn't select aerosol versions for this review. Given that every effective ingredient comes in a non-aerosolized version, there is no need to worry about what you inhale, along with infectious bugs.

While sprays are usually easy to apply by spraying directly on your skin, they may still require rubbing in to ensure even coverage. It is often easier for children to spray your hands first and then rub the repellent on your child for even coverage and to avoid getting the product in their eyes, nose, or mouth. Some sprays are also useful for treating clothing and gear, making them multi-purpose in a way that wipes and lotions can't manage. Alternatively, not all sprays are suitable for the skin, so read the label before using any product to understand the uses and limitations fully. Sawyer Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent is a great product for gear and pre-treating your clothing, but it isn't suitable for the skin and is also toxic to cats. However, this chemical can provide a valuable layer of protection that lasts on equipment for up to 6 weeks and clothing through 6 wash cycles.

Odor and Feel

Outside of chemical-related safety concerns, some folks avoid repellents because they hate how most products smell or feel on the skin when they dry. DEET, specifically, seems to annoy more users than other effective ingredients. Some manufacturers have responded by adding fragrances and skin moisturizers to their formulations, like Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent with aloe. Testers felt these were hit or miss, though most appreciated the effort. Picaridin typically feels better on the skin and has no smell when dry, making it an excellent choice for anyone sensitive to odors. Products with lemon eucalyptus oil have a stronger scent that lingers, and some testers thought bugs were more attracted to the spray than repelled by it. In our tests, it didn't seem to offer adequate protection from serious bug problems and isn't recommended by experts for areas with known insect-borne illnesses.

It is critical that you choose the most effective ingredient for your specific outing before you consider the smell or feel. Protection from insect-borne diseases and staying itch-free should always factor higher in your final product selection than how a product smells or feels (minus an allergic reaction). Thankfully, 20% picaridin is effective for most insects and is generally considered safe for most people when used according to the manufacturer's directions. Plus, the odor related to picaridin evaporates when the product dries, so there is no lingering scent to contend with. This smell evaporation means products like Sawyer Insect Repellent are virtually smell-free. If you like a slight scent with your spray, our testers enjoyed the lighter smell of OFF! Family Care, which most testers described as pleasant or “not bad.” Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent seems to have a more pungent scent (in our opinion), but many testers still felt it was less offensive than most of the competition.

Conclusion

Finding an effective and safe bug spray for your family shouldn't be a nit-picking experience or as irritating as a mosquito bite. We've done exhaustive research and hands-on testing to help you find the best options for outdoor anti-bug needs and adventure plans with children. Whether you're embarking on a hike deep into the forest or chilling by the water where mosquitoes love to party and breed, our lineup has a spray to help keep bugs away. We purchased and tested some of the top repellents on the market. We also researched expert advice about ingredient efficacy and safety. We believe there is a spray for every family member and most outdoor fun in this review, no matter what type of ingredient you need.