Okay, about DEET. Let's compare risk and reward. Assume it works, as most agree here.

Risk: damages plastic. (Doesn't harm skin.)

Reward: repels mosquitoes, which can convey malaria, West Nile virus or the Zika virus. Cause itching, if nothing else.

The reward of using it far outweighs the risk.

In case you think West Nile virus is tropical - there have been cases of it in Missouri this year, some very serious.