Just read an AP story that the CDC is now recommending two alternatives to bug spray with DEET as effective:
CDC Pushing New Mosquito Repellents
By DANIEL YEE
The Associated Press
Thursday, April 28, 2005; 8:01 AM
ATLANTA -- After years of promoting the chemical DEET as the best defense against West Nile-bearing mosquitoes, the government for the first time is recommending the use of two other insect repellents.
Repellents containing the chemical picaridin or the oil of lemon eucalyptus offer "long-lasting protection against mosquito bites," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, adding that repellents with DEET remain on the agency's recommendation list.
etc. Full story at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/04/28/AR2005042800159_pf.html