Bug sprays containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 are all considered safe during pregnancy when used as directed on the label. Both the CDC and the EPA have confirmed this, and the real risk during pregnancy comes from skipping repellent altogether, since mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses can pose serious problems for a developing baby.
The Three Safe Active Ingredients
Not all bug sprays work the same way, and the safety data behind each active ingredient varies. Here’s what the research shows for pregnant women.
DEET is the most studied repellent ingredient and has the strongest safety record in pregnancy. Animal studies using doses 10 to 100 times higher than what a person would absorb through skin found no increased risk of birth defects. A human study examining DEET use in the second and third trimesters also showed no birth defects or negative effects on infant brain development. DEET products range from about 5% to 30% concentration. Higher concentrations don’t repel bugs better; they last longer before you need to reapply. A product with 20% to 30% DEET gives several hours of protection per application.
Picaridin is a newer alternative that feels lighter on the skin and doesn’t have DEET’s strong smell or tendency to damage plastics. Animal studies have found no toxic effects on fetuses exposed to picaridin. Human studies during pregnancy are limited, but based on its safety profile, the CDC includes it alongside DEET as safe for pregnant women. Picaridin at 20% concentration offers protection comparable to DEET.
IR3535 has been used in Europe for decades and is EPA-registered in the U.S. However, no studies have specifically examined it in pregnant women. Because DEET and picaridin both have more direct evidence supporting their safety, IR3535 is not the best first choice during pregnancy. It’s not considered dangerous, but if you have the option, reach for one of the other two.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: A Special Case
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), sometimes listed as its active compound PMD, is EPA-registered and effective against mosquitoes. It’s the one plant-derived option that performs close to DEET in testing. The CDC includes it on its list of recommended repellents, and pregnant women can use EPA-registered versions. Just note that OLE typically needs more frequent reapplication than DEET or picaridin, and it should not be used on children under three years old. If you’re looking for a plant-based option with real data behind it, this is the only one worth considering.
Why “Natural” Sprays Can Be Misleading
Many products marketed as natural bug sprays contain essential oils like citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, or rosemary. These products often lack an EPA registration number, which means they haven’t been evaluated for effectiveness. The EPA is clear on this point: repellents without a registration number on the label have not been reviewed, and the agency cannot confirm whether they actually work.
This matters during pregnancy because a repellent that wears off in 20 minutes or doesn’t repel effectively at all leaves you exposed. Mosquitoes carry West Nile virus, Zika, and other infections. Ticks carry Lyme disease. A West Nile infection during pregnancy can, in rare cases, pass to the baby. Zika during pregnancy is directly linked to severe birth defects. The practical risk of an ineffective repellent is higher than the theoretical concern about a well-studied ingredient like DEET.
To check whether a product is EPA-registered, look for an EPA Registration Number on the label. It will look something like “123456-1.” If there’s no number, the product hasn’t been evaluated.
Permethrin for Clothing
Permethrin is a separate category. It’s not applied to skin. Instead, it’s used to treat clothing, shoes, and gear, where it kills ticks and mosquitoes on contact. The EPA has reviewed the data and found no evidence of reproductive or developmental effects to mother or child from permethrin exposure. Very little of it absorbs through the skin.
You can buy pre-treated clothing or spray your own with a permethrin product designed for fabrics. Don’t apply it to underwear or directly to skin. Permethrin-treated clothing protects only the covered areas, so you’ll still want a skin-applied repellent like DEET or picaridin on exposed arms, legs, and neck. The combination of treated clothing plus a skin repellent is the most effective approach, especially in heavily wooded or marshy areas.
How to Apply Repellent Safely
A few simple habits reduce how much repellent your body absorbs while keeping protection effective:
- Apply to exposed skin only. Don’t spray under clothing, and skip areas covered by sleeves or pants.
- Spray outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. This minimizes inhalation, which is the main concern with any aerosol product during pregnancy.
- Avoid hands and face. Spray onto your palms first, then pat it onto your face sparingly, staying away from eyes and mouth. This prevents accidental ingestion.
- Wash it off when you go inside. Once you no longer need protection, soap and water remove repellent quickly.
- Don’t combine with sunscreen in one product. Sunscreen needs frequent reapplication, but repellent does not. Using a combo product means you’ll reapply repellent far more often than necessary.
- Follow the label. Every EPA-registered product includes specific instructions about how often to reapply and where to use it. The CDC’s guidance for pregnant women comes down to this: these products are safe when used as directed.
Picking the Right Product
If you want the simplest answer: a pump spray or lotion with 20% to 30% DEET is the most proven, most studied option for pregnancy. It provides hours of protection and has decades of safety data. Picaridin at 20% is an equally effective alternative that feels more pleasant on skin. Either one paired with permethrin-treated clothing gives you strong protection against both mosquitoes and ticks.
If you prefer a plant-based product, choose an EPA-registered oil of lemon eucalyptus repellent and plan to reapply more frequently. Skip unregistered essential oil blends. They may smell nice, but they leave gaps in protection that matter more during pregnancy than at any other time.