Can I bring aerosol bug spray in my carry-on?

It's not recommended. Aerosol insect repellent cans are best packed in checked baggage, where they're allowed up to 18 oz per can. Non-aerosol pump sprays, lotions, and wipes under 3.4 oz are the easier carry-on option.

Is bug spray treated differently from insecticide for travel?

Yes. Repellent meant to be applied to your skin is allowed (following the liquids rules above). Insecticide meant to be sprayed into the air or at insects directly is prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.

Insect Repellent

Insect repellent applied to skin is allowed, but it must follow the 3.4 oz liquids rule in carry-on if it's a spray, lotion, or pump; aerosol cans face extra limits.

Carry-on

Allowed with conditions

Checked

Allowed with conditions

Carry-on details

Allowed with conditions. Insect repellent meant to be applied to skin — pump sprays, lotions, wipes, and liquids — is allowed in carry-on as long as each container is 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less and fits in your quart-size liquids bag. Repellent sold as an aerosol can (spray propelled by pressurized gas) is treated more strictly and is best packed in checked baggage instead. Insecticide sprays meant to be sprayed into the air or directly at bugs, rather than applied to skin, aren't permitted in carry-on or checked bags.

Checked-bag details

Allowed with conditions. Skin-applied repellent, including aerosol cans, is generally allowed in checked baggage — aerosols are limited to 18 oz per container and 70 oz total. Insecticide sprays intended for spraying into the air or directly at insects are not permitted in checked baggage.

Quantity limit

3.4 oz (per container)

Special instructions

Check the label: repellent meant to be sprayed on skin travels far more easily than insecticide meant to be sprayed at bugs or in the air, which is restricted in both carry-on and checked bags.

Related rules

The 3-1-1 Liquids Rule

FAQ

Can I bring aerosol bug spray in my carry-on?: It's not recommended. Aerosol insect repellent cans are best packed in checked baggage, where they're allowed up to 18 oz per can. Non-aerosol pump sprays, lotions, and wipes under 3.4 oz are the easier carry-on option.
Is bug spray treated differently from insecticide for travel?: Yes. Repellent meant to be applied to your skin is allowed (following the liquids rules above). Insecticide meant to be sprayed into the air or at insects directly is prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.

Related items

Sources: TSA — What Can I Bring?, FAA — PackSafe (Hazardous Materials) · Last verified: 2026-07-31

Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.