The thought of use DEET makes my skin crawl, though I have used it the past.

Deer flies --ugh. And they hurt!

So I appreciate these recommendations so far.
After all day long bike touring rides, I've donned light wind pants and long sleeved shirt in 30 C degree with 100% humidity summer weather in the woods. It drives me nuts and makes me...hot, miserable. But I will do it for sanity... For some of us, it must be the unique odors of how our body breaks down food, enzymes that makes us so attractive to the critters.