You can instead use HOMS BiteBlocker Xtreme Sportsman if you choose to avoid putting a synthetic pesticide on yourself or your clothing. We've used it and it was really effective. You must apply it much more frequently than synthetic pesticides, though. www.arbico-organics.com/product/bite...

I don't recommend BiteBlocker if you are in a situation where you can't reapply it frequently. We gave some of ours to a Boy Scout leader friend to try against mosquitoes on an outing. He ended up being mobbed by the troop and their parents asking for it because it worked so well for skeeters. FWIW.

I like permetherin on hats when fishing, particularly in a small boat (kayak, canoe, drift boat). It's definitely for mosquitoes and seems to work deer flies, the ultimate evil. Treated trousers, socks and shirt are good for hiking. The issue is that it's not safe for cats when wet.

I don't think most people who haven't lived in areas full of mosquitoes and black flies and deer flies have any experience of how awful they can be.