hey I thought eating bananas kept mosquitos away!

You can make some nice non-toxic repellent which you can spray on before you sleep (bonus; it helps you fall asleep more easily to): put six drops of lavender essential oil into two ounces rosewater; spray on with mister or apply with cotton ball. You can also mist the zips of your tent and it will NOT damage the fabric or seals.

Lavender and peppermint oil both work well as repellents, as do the aforementioned lemongrass or citronella essential oils (the latter two do not smell as nice). Lavender oil is also EXCELLENT if you apply a bit to bites as soon as you get them; helps them heal and cuts down on itching.

Bug bucket candles are okay in the vicinity of your tent but best not to leave them burning all night while you sleep; inhaling citronella fumes from these things is not the healthiest...

If you value your health and that of those around you, don't use aerosol bug sprays! This shit is very toxic to humans and it has bred stronger, more resistant insects! (same with commercial pesticides used on farmland crops and on suburban lawns, but that's another show, Geraldo). Even the creams or lotions are not real good to use too often; always wash hands well after applying them!!!

I camp every year and only resort to commercial insect repellent if going deep into the woods or if the biting insects are REAL bad...most people are way too wimpy when it comes to bugs.

They say meat eaters get bit worse than vegetarians. I am not sure about this, but I have noticed meat eaters' mosquito bites hang around longer...