To ward off mosquitoes, gnats, midges and other flying insects try one of these home recipes. I have 2 recipes for home made repellent that should keep mosqitoes, gnats, midges and other flying insects away from you Recipe 1
Mix well together and apply to skin. Apparently the anglers in Scotland use it all the time and I suppose they should know how to keep midges away if anyone does !
Recipe 2
Simply mix together and apply to the skin. You can also place some neat vanilla extract in a small open container where the gnats tend to congregate and this will keep them away.
Other ideas
Mosquitoes will keep off you and your kids if you rub oranges or onions all over your exposed skin.
Planting tansy, mint, or basil in containers around your deck or patio will keep mosquitoes from flying near you while you are outdoors.
Burning citronella candles around your deck or patio is going to keep mosquitoes from coming around you.