At what age can babies use bug spray?

Chemical insect repellent should not be used on infants younger than 2 months. For those babies, use mosquito netting, lightweight long sleeves and pants, and shade. From 2 months and up, DEET or picaridin products are appropriate when applied as directed.

Is DEET safe for children, and what concentration?

DEET is considered safe for children over 2 months. Use a concentration between 10% and 30% and do not exceed 30% for children. Roughly, 10% DEET protects for about 2 hours and 30% for about 5 hours; higher concentrations do not add meaningful protection.

Why can't kids under 3 use oil of lemon eucalyptus?

Product labeling advises against using oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or its synthetic form para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children younger than 3 years. Choose DEET or picaridin for children in this age range instead.

How do I remove a tick from my child?

Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, then pull straight up with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, which can break off mouthparts. Clean the bite and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer afterward.

Can I put bug spray on my child's face and hands?

Do not apply repellent to a child's hands, because they touch their eyes and mouth. To cover the face, spray repellent on your own hands first and then spread it on, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Apply only to exposed skin and the outside of clothing.

What is permethrin and is it safe for kids?

Permethrin is a 0.5% treatment for clothing and gear that kills ticks on contact. It is never applied to skin. Treated clothing adds protection on top of a skin repellent like DEET or picaridin, and the treatment lasts through several washes.

Where should I check my child for ticks?

Check after any time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas. Look in warm, hidden spots: behind the ears, along the hairline and scalp, in the armpits, around the waist and belly button, between the legs, and behind the knees.

Spring safety · All ages

Bug Repellent and Tick Safety for Kids by Age

Insect repellent is safe for most children over 2 months when you choose the right product and concentration. Pairing repellent with daily tick checks gives the best protection in spring.

2 min read Seasonal Safety Updated June 2026

What to use at each age

For infants under 2 months, do not use chemical repellent. Use physical barriers instead: mosquito netting over the stroller or carrier, lightweight long sleeves and pants, and shaded or screened areas.

From 2 months and up, DEET and picaridin are both appropriate. Do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus or its synthetic form PMD on children younger than 3 years.

Under 2 months: no chemical repellent; use netting and clothing
2 months and older: DEET 10–30% (10% lasts ~2 hours, 30% ~5 hours)
2 months and older: picaridin 5–20% as a DEET alternative
Under 3 years: do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
Permethrin 0.5% for clothing and gear only, never on skin

How to apply repellent safely

Apply only to exposed skin and the outside of clothing, never under clothing. Do not put repellent on a child's hands, since they touch their eyes and mouth.

Avoid the eyes and mouth. To cover the face, spray it on your own hands first and then spread it on. Wash repellent off with soap and water once you are back indoors, and wash treated clothing.

Daily tick checks

Check for ticks after time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Look in warm, hidden spots such as behind the ears, along the hairline, in the armpits, around the waist, and behind the knees.

Treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin adds protection because it kills ticks on contact. Never apply permethrin to skin.

How to remove a tick

Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible with clean, fine-tipped tweezers. Pull straight up with steady, even pressure.

Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts in the skin. Afterward, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.

Common questions

At what age can babies use bug spray?: Chemical insect repellent should not be used on infants younger than 2 months. For those babies, use mosquito netting, lightweight long sleeves and pants, and shade. From 2 months and up, DEET or picaridin products are appropriate when applied as directed.
Is DEET safe for children, and what concentration?: DEET is considered safe for children over 2 months. Use a concentration between 10% and 30% and do not exceed 30% for children. Roughly, 10% DEET protects for about 2 hours and 30% for about 5 hours; higher concentrations do not add meaningful protection.
Why can't kids under 3 use oil of lemon eucalyptus?: Product labeling advises against using oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or its synthetic form para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children younger than 3 years. Choose DEET or picaridin for children in this age range instead.
How do I remove a tick from my child?: Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, then pull straight up with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, which can break off mouthparts. Clean the bite and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer afterward.
Can I put bug spray on my child's face and hands?: Do not apply repellent to a child's hands, because they touch their eyes and mouth. To cover the face, spray repellent on your own hands first and then spread it on, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Apply only to exposed skin and the outside of clothing.
What is permethrin and is it safe for kids?: Permethrin is a 0.5% treatment for clothing and gear that kills ticks on contact. It is never applied to skin. Treated clothing adds protection on top of a skin repellent like DEET or picaridin, and the treatment lasts through several washes.
Where should I check my child for ticks?: Check after any time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas. Look in warm, hidden spots: behind the ears, along the hairline and scalp, in the armpits, around the waist and belly button, between the legs, and behind the knees.

Sources & further reading

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This guide reflects current AAP, CDC, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.