Bump to Baby: Safe Bug Sprays for Prenatal and Postpartum Moms
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Feeling like you are a bigger target than usual for mosquito bites? That's probably because you are. Pregnant women are 2x or more likely to be bit than women who are not pregnant.
This is in part due to the fact that pregnant women exhale 21% more air than other women, on average. Plus, hormonal changes can lead to an increase in sweat production, which in turn can contribute to changes in your body odor. And since any strong body odor, perfume, deodorant, or floral scented soap will attract them, nothing smells better to mosquitos than the sweat of a pregnant woman.
But which repellents are safe for you when you are carrying your baby? Are chemical repellents even safe? Should you stick to all natural instead?
The short answer: If used correctly, chemical repellents are safe to use and offer the best coverage.
Chemical repellents and pesticides have undergone loads of testing before ever being released to the public; their adverse effects are known and are well documented.
And a chemical, by name, just means that a substance has been purified. In fact, most chemical repellents on the market are derived from parts of natural plants. They are synthesized versions, making them more effective and, supposedly, less toxic.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about natural products since most haven't been tested for toxicity or effectiveness. A few plants whose essential oils are said to offer slight repellent activity against insects includes: allspice, basil, cedar, cinnamon, citronella, eucalyptus, garlic, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, pine, rosemary, thyme, and more. Application of these oils generally provides <2 hours of protection.
Table of Contents
How Do Bug Sprays Work?
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Most bug sprays are repellents. This means that they "repel" bugs by either their odor or taste. Odorant repellents are the most effective at preventing bug bites.
Other bug sprays are pesticides and insecticides. These only affect the bug after it comes in contact with it. Pesticides and insecticides work by affecting the nervous system of an insect. When a bug comes in contact with the chemical and/or ingests it, it kills them. Pesticides are used to kill fungus, bacteria, insects, and more. Insecticides specifically target and kill insects.
Skin Repellents
Photo by LL
Picaridin:
A plant-derived chemical repellent that is safe for use on pregnant or nursing women.
You may love using Picaridin for you, or your family, because…
It is effective for up to 8- 14 hours
It repels ticks, mosquitos, and some flies
It is nearly odorless and does NOT cause skin irritation
It is made to mimic Piperine, an ingredient found in peppers who’s “peppery” smell is unattractive to ticks, mosquitos, flies, gnats, chiggers, and more
It is safe for use on babies 2 months of age and older
It is safe to use on clothing, backpacks, synthetic fibers, sunglasses, watches, and more
Initially registered for use by the US EPA in 2001, it became available to the public in 2005. It has been used outside the US since 1998. Since it has been in circulation for 25 years, the short-term and long-term effects are well documented.
Outside the US, it may be called KBR 3023 or Icaridin
Reasons you may NOT want to use Picaridin:
It is not safe for use on dogs
Picaridin has a nearly endless shelf life. However, if you notice the odor has faded, it may not be as effective at repelling insects.
IR-3535:
Photo by Jake Wilde
A synthetic chemical repellent that is safe for use on pregnant or nursing women.
You may want to use IR-3535 on you, or your family, because…
It is effective for 4-8 hours
It repels mosquitos and most ticks
It is considered safe to use on babies two months of age and older
It is also considered safe for use on dogs
It is not toxic to aquatic animals like fish or algae
It is also safer for the environment, than other options, since it doesn't build up
It has been around for over 30 years, (initially developed by Merck), so it's short-term and long-term effects are well documented
Reasons you may NOT want to use IR-3535:
Does not repel flies
Its shelf life is about 2 years. After that it begins to break down and is less effective.
What to learn more? Check out Merck's site.
Avon's Skin So Soft* and Zevo On Body Bug Spray* both use IR-3535 as their active ingredient.
<35% DEET:
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A synthetic chemical repellent that is safe for use on pregnant or nursing women.
You may want to use 10% DEET to protect you, or your family, because…
10% DEET is effective for about 2 hours
It repels ticks, mosquitos, and some flies
10-35% DEET provides adequate protection in most scenarios and is considered safe for pregnant and nursing moms, when used correctly
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends <30% DEET for use on children 2 months and older to help prevent the spread of diseases like West Nile, Lyme, Zika, and more
Initially created in 1944 by the government for military use during WWII, it has been in public use since 1957. That is 66 years that it has been around and in use!
Reasons you may NOT want to use DEET:
DEET damages plastics such as sunglasses, watches, trekking pole grips, and more
It is not safe for use on dogs. It can cause neurological problems and even death if used. Do NOT use it on or near dogs.
Want to learn more?
Read what the EPA has to say about DEET.
Read what Consumer Reports has to say about it here.
SC Johnson debunks myths about DEET.
Grab a bottle of OFF FamilyCare Unscented Aerosol* or Spray* (7% DEET) or OFF FamilyCare Smooth & Dry Bug Spray* (15% DEET).
Clothing Repellents
Photo by Jake Wilde
Permethrin:
A plant-derived chemical repellent and insecticide that should be used with caution, if pregnant or nursing. Make sure none of the product gets on your skin and that it is fully dry before putting on your clothing and gear.
You may want to use it on your, or your family's, clothing because…
It repels ticks and mosquitos
It was created to mimic the chemicals found in chrysanthemums. These lovely flowers contain a neurotoxin that kills insects
It is safe to use on children’s clothing, ages 3 months and older
It is safe for use on and around dogs. Learn more about proper use of Permethrin for your dog at Sawyer's.
It will not stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, or other outdoor gear
Initially made in 1979 for use by the US military, it has been in use by the government and public since the early 1990s. 40+ years is a long time, meaning it's short-term and long-term effects are known
How long is it effective for?
For pretreated, impregnated clothing, it lasts up to 70 washings. Wash separately!
For clothing in which it was sprayed on by the user, it lasts up to 6 washes. Wash separately!
It loses effectiveness after being exposed to the outdoors for 6 weeks.
Reasons it may not be a good fit for your, or your family:
If you are pregnant or nursing, be very careful not to get any on your skin.
It is harmful to aquatic life, so if you use it on your dog, make sure they don't go puddle jumping in creeks and lakes.
Permethrin has a shelf life of 10 years, when stored properly.
Grab a bottle of Sawyer's Permethrin Spray.*
Protect You and Your Family with the Right Bug Spray
This easy-to-use chart takes the guesswork out of choosing safe and effective bug sprays for you and your family, no matter the situation.
