While DEET is an effective bug repellent, it is also toxic, so it is advisable to use other bug repellents. If you want to keep bugs away from your home, you can plant natural repellents such as lemongrass, lemon thyme, catnip, and citrus-smelling geraniums.

There are also natural lotions and sprays that can be found at herbal and health food stores. These products contain safe ingredients such as eucalyptus, bay laurel, thyme and lavender. Neem oil made from the neem tree is also becoming very popular as a repellent. These natural products should not be used on infants or pregnant women, but you can always spray their clothes or the area around them. For infants, you can use pure vanilla bean extract.

If you have been bitten by bugs, then anti-inflammatory remedies such as peppermint oil or freshly cut cucumber can physically reduce the wound and swelling. Oatmeal or freshly cut eggplant can be used to pull the venom out of your body.To prevent infection, use aloe vera or calendula. Alum can reduce the appearance, redness and itching of bites as well.

If there is an emergency, you should call 911. Allergic reactions to bites can occur and can even be deadly. The warning signs are shock, prolonged pain, vomiting, nausea, fever, itching that won't go away, large swelling, muscle pain, difficulty breathing and confusion.

It is best to avoid chemical bug bit products and stick to the natural products. These methods should work, but if you find they don't, a small amount of DEET may be the answer. Just use it with caution and avoid using on infants and pregnant women.