Avoid contact around eyes and mouth. Steer clear of inhaling mist when applying. If you are concerned with deet's possible side effects, then try a non-chemical alternative. Some unregistered repellents have seriously high concentrations of essential oils and may irritate the skin or cause other side effects. If you enjoy gardening, plant marigolds in your yard and in pots around your patio or deck.
Marigolds contain pyrethum, which has an odor unpleasant to insects.
Certain oils have been known to repel insects including lavender, cedarwood, geranium, sesame, and cajuput. Different herbs are known to be effective in fighting off insects, including garlic, wormwood, rosemary, rue, and pennyroyal. All rights reserved.