There are a variety of strategies to repel insects which people swear by. None listed contain DEET. Each of these comes recommended!

Internal repellents for mosquitoes:

     Eating lots of garlic or taking apple cider vinegar

External repellents for rubbing on your skin:

     Apple cider vinegar or garlic

     Oils such as citronella, tea tree, peppermint, almond, and jujuba `– Make your own mix!

     Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is recommended by the Center for Disease Control

     Cedar oil is useful for ticks.

For itching (in case you do get bitten):

     Ice, which will also decrease swelling

     Meat tenderizer

     Lemon juice

     White vinegar

     Pastes made of baking soda or oatmeal