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The Best Bug Spray for Kids to Keep Pests Away

Protect children from itchy welts and dangerous insect-borne viruses with the best bug spray for kids.

Protecting kids from biting insects during warmer months is important, especially with the potential for these bloodsuckers to carry dangerous illnesses such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. But identifying which active ingredients in bug sprays are safe for kids can be a confusing process. Some bug sprays use the powerful chemical DEET to repel bugs, while others employ more natural ingredients, such as picaridin or essential oils.

This guide explores the most important factors to consider when shopping for the best bug spray for kids, including demystifying these active ingredients, while reviewing some of the top-rated options on the market to keep pesky insects away from your children.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Natrapel Insect Repellent Spray
  3. BEST NATURAL: REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
  4. BEST WIPES: Cutter Resealable Pouch, Family Mosquito Wipes
  5. BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent Pump Spray


Explore the complete guide for best bug sprays for kids written by Tony Carrick here.

LAST UPDATED

October 30, 2023

Written by
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Bob Vila

Media Mentions from Bob Vila

You probably know Bob Vila from TV, where for nearly 30 years he hosted a variety of shows: This Old House, Bob Vila’s Home Again, Bob Vila, and Restore America with Bob Vila. Or perhaps you caught Bob starring as himself on Tim Allen’s sit com, Home Improvement. You can now watch Bob's full TV episodes online.

Before his life in broadcasting, Bob launched his own residential remodeling and design business. Earlier still, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer, building houses and communities in Panama. He learned first-hand about home building from his father, who hand built their family home. He's written 12 books about remodeling your home, buying your dream home, and visiting historic homes across America. It’s fair to say that buildings, especially homes, are his life’s work.

Now he's breaking new ground on the web, at BobVila.com.

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Media Mentions

It absolutely works like a charm whether you’re sitting in the backyard or hiking deep in the woods.

Diva Anwari
Contributor for MSN.

Media Mentions

If you have some that isn’t pre-treated with permethrin, you can buy some to spray on your own netting/clothing before use.

The RV Geeks
Contributor

Media Mentions

“We tested this bug repellent on park outings and used it for a long day of yard work. It earns high marks for effectiveness, keeping us protected from any bug bites, even despite exposure to sweat,” The Spruce says.

Dawn Magyar
NJ Advance Media for NJ.com