Mosquito Repellent in Pregnancy: What You Can Use Safely

Pregnancy is one of the few times when mosquito bite prevention becomes more than a comfort issue. Some mosquito-borne infections, including Zika, dengue and malaria, can carry higher risks during pregnancy. In this pharmacy guide, I explain which mosquito repellents can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding, which options to avoid, and how to apply them safely.

Why mosquito bite prevention matters during pregnancy

Pregnancy changes the equation with mosquitoes for several reasons:

• Pregnant women may attract more mosquitoes: higher body temperature, increased carbon dioxide output and hormonal changes can all play a role.
• Bites may feel more reactive: skin and immune responses can change during pregnancy, so welts may feel larger, itchier or more uncomfortable.
• Some mosquito-borne infections carry pregnancy-specific risks:
  • Zika: infection during pregnancy can affect fetal development, especially if exposure occurs early in pregnancy.
  • Dengue: can be more serious during pregnancy and may require medical assessment if symptoms appear after travel.
  • Malaria: is a serious risk in pregnancy and can affect both mother and baby. Travel to malaria-risk areas should be discussed with a specialist before departure.

That is why mosquito bite prevention during pregnancy should be practical, consistent and based on products that actually work.

DEET in pregnancy: what UK guidance says

DEET is the most studied insect repellent and remains the first-choice option for many travel-risk situations. Contrary to what many people think, DEET can be used during pregnancy when applied correctly.

• Suitable concentration: UK travel health guidance allows DEET up to 50% in pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially where there is risk of mosquito-borne disease.
• For everyday UK or Mediterranean summer use: a lower concentration may be enough if exposure is moderate, but high-risk travel needs stronger protection.
• Where to apply: apply to exposed skin such as arms, legs, ankles and neck. Avoid the breast area when breastfeeding.
• How to apply: use after sunscreen. Apply SPF first, allow it to absorb, then apply repellent to exposed areas.
• At the end of the day: wash treated skin with soap and water, especially before sleep.
• When to ask for advice: if you are travelling to an area with malaria, dengue or Zika risk, speak to a travel health clinic, GP, midwife or obstetrician before you go.

The fear around DEET in pregnancy is often stronger than the evidence supports. In real travel-risk situations, the danger of mosquito-borne disease can be greater than the theoretical risk of using a well-studied repellent as directed.

Citriodiol mosquito repellent: the plant-derived option with evidence

Citriodiol, also known as PMD or p-menthane-3,8-diol, is one of the few plant-derived mosquito repellents with meaningful evidence behind it. It comes from lemon eucalyptus and is processed to concentrate the active repellent compound.

• Useful in pregnancy: a good option for pregnant users who prefer to avoid DEET in lower-risk situations.
• Plant-derived but evidence-based: very different from using pure citronella or lavender essential oil, which offer weak and short-lived protection.
• Good for everyday exposure: suitable for common mosquito exposure and moderate outdoor use when applied properly.
• Protection time: usually around 4–6 hours, depending on the product, heat, sweating and exposure.
• Product recommendation: Goibi Citriodiol Spray, a good choice if you want a pregnancy-friendly repellent with a gentler profile.

This is the option I would normally suggest when someone wants “the most natural option that still works”. It is not the same as a weak essential-oil blend. It is a real repellent with a clearer evidence profile.

IR3535: a gentler option for moderate mosquito exposure

IR3535 is another recognised insect repellent ingredient. It is usually chosen when exposure is moderate and the priority is tolerability rather than maximum protection.

• Suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed.
• Efficacy: good for common mosquito exposure, but usually not my first choice for high-risk tropical travel.
• Typical duration: around 4 hours, depending on the formulation and conditions.
• Main advantage: often milder in smell and feel than DEET.
• When to choose it: urban use, low-to-moderate exposure, or when stronger repellents are not tolerated.

Which mosquito repellents to avoid in pregnancy

• Pure essential oils used as your only protection: citronella, lavender, geranium and similar oils are not reliable enough for pregnancy, especially in areas with disease risk.
• Permethrin applied directly to skin: permethrin can be useful for treating clothing or mosquito nets, but it should not be used as a skin repellent.
• Mosquito wristbands: they may reduce bites around the wrist but do not protect the whole body and are not enough as the only measure.
• Ultrasonic repellents: they are not a reliable form of mosquito bite prevention.
• “Natural” repellents with unclear ingredients: if the INCI or active ingredient is not clear, avoid using it during pregnancy.

How to apply mosquito repellent in pregnancy

Correct application matters, especially when you are pregnant:

• Apply sunscreen first: use SPF 30–50, apply it properly and allow it to absorb.
• Apply repellent afterwards: cover exposed skin such as arms, legs, ankles and neck.
• Do not spray directly onto the face: spray into your hands first, then apply carefully, avoiding the eyes, lips and mouth.
• Reapply according to the label: heat, sweating, swimming and humidity can reduce protection time.
• Wash off at the end of the day: use soap and water before going to bed.
• Use non-chemical measures too: light long clothing, mosquito nets, screened windows, air conditioning and removing standing water all reduce exposure.

Mosquito repellent while breastfeeding: same logic, extra care around the breast

Most recommendations for mosquito repellent while breastfeeding are similar to those used in pregnancy, with one important practical point: avoid direct infant contact with repellent.

• Suitable options: DEET, Citriodiol / PMD and IR3535 can be considered when used as directed.
• Avoid the breast and nipple area: this is to prevent the baby from ingesting residue during feeding.
• Wash before feeding if needed: if repellent has been applied near the chest, wash the area before breastfeeding.
• Do not apply repellent directly to babies under 2 months: use clothing, mosquito nets and environmental protection instead.
• For babies over 2 months: ask a pharmacist, health visitor or GP which baby-safe repellent is appropriate.

Mosquito repellent if you travel while pregnant

Travel during pregnancy to areas with Zika, dengue or malaria risk needs personalised medical advice before you book or travel.

• Zika-risk areas: pregnant travellers should seek specialist advice before travel, as Zika infection during pregnancy can affect fetal development.
• Dengue-risk areas: use strong bite prevention and speak to a travel health professional before travelling.
• Malaria-risk areas: travel should often be avoided during pregnancy if possible. If travel is unavoidable, specialist advice is essential.
• Spain and Mediterranean areas with tiger mosquitoes: standard bite prevention with a suitable repellent, clothing and mosquito control is usually enough, but risk varies by destination and season.

For more detail on tiger mosquitoes, read our guide to tiger mosquitoes in Spain.

What to do if you get a mosquito bite while pregnant

Stay calm. Most mosquito bites are irritating rather than dangerous. What matters is treating the itch without damaging the skin:

• Wash with soap and water, then apply cold for 10–15 minutes.
• Use a pregnancy-friendly soothing option: After Bite Paediatric or a topical antihistamine such as Fenistil Gel, after checking suitability during pregnancy.
• Do not scratch: scratching increases swelling and the risk of secondary infection.
• Oral antihistamines: only use during pregnancy if your GP, midwife, pharmacist or obstetrician confirms they are suitable for you.
• Seek medical advice urgently if you develop symptoms such as: fever, joint pain, pain behind the eyes, widespread rash, severe headache or feeling very unwell after travel or mosquito exposure.

For a full bite-care routine, read our complete mosquito bite treatment guide.

Non-chemical mosquito bite prevention during pregnancy

Non-chemical measures matter during pregnancy because they reduce how much repellent you need to use and lower overall exposure to bites:

• Wear light, loose, long clothing outdoors: long sleeves, long trousers and socks reduce exposed skin.
• Use mosquito nets: especially at night, when travelling, or when sleeping without good screening or air conditioning.
• Use air conditioning where available: cooler indoor environments reduce mosquito activity.
• Avoid high-exposure times and places: standing water, shaded humid areas, dawn and dusk can increase mosquito activity depending on the species.
• Remove standing water at home: plant saucers, buckets, fountains and outdoor toys can become breeding sites.
• Use plug-in diffusers carefully: they can help indoors, but follow the product instructions and ventilate rooms properly.

Myths and facts about mosquito repellent in pregnancy

• “DEET is dangerous in pregnancy”: too simplistic. DEET is one of the best-studied repellents and UK travel guidance allows its use in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed.
• “Essential oils are safer because they are natural”: not necessarily. Some essential oils are unsuitable in pregnancy, and most do not provide reliable mosquito protection.
• “Wristbands and ultrasound devices are enough”: false. They are not reliable as your only protection, especially during pregnancy.
• “There is no need to worry about mosquito-borne infection in Europe”: risk is usually low, but local conditions can change. Pregnant travellers should still take mosquito bite prevention seriously.
• “Repellent always reaches the baby”: when used correctly, skin absorption is limited. The bigger concern in risk areas is often the infection you are trying to prevent.

My final recommendation as a pharmacist

This is the plan I recommend in pharmacy for pregnant and breastfeeding customers, depending on exposure level:

• Option 1 for everyday exposure: Goibi Citriodiol Spray. Plant-derived, evidence-based and a good option if you want a gentler pregnancy-safe mosquito repellent for moderate exposure.
• Option 2 for higher-risk exposure or travel: a DEET repellent, potentially up to 50% where appropriate for travel-risk areas, used correctly and after personalised advice if you are pregnant.
• For bites: After Bite Paediatric + local cold application. If itching is strong, ask whether Fenistil Gel is suitable for you.
• If travelling to a tropical or high-risk area: speak to your midwife, GP, obstetrician or a travel health clinic before departure.
• Always combine with non-chemical protection: long clothing, mosquito nets, air conditioning, window screens and removal of standing water.

The rule I repeat most often is simple: active mosquito bite prevention is not optional during pregnancy when exposure is real. DEET fear is often exaggerated, and pure essential oils are not a serious substitute. For most situations, the right pairing is either Citriodiol or DEET, used correctly, plus non-chemical measures. That gives strong real-world protection without unnecessary alarm.

To compare options by age, exposure and destination, read our guide to the 5 best pharmacy mosquito repellents for 2026.

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