Ticks are pretty common around here in Delaware. I pulled a nymph off last night. Chiggers/redbugs are really bad. I always use some permethrin product-Sawyers, Tractor Supply, etc. Wikipedia says "it has a low mammalian toxicity and is poorly absorbed by skin". I spray the outside of my clothes with a permethrin product, let it dry, and venture forth. After 20 years, I don't see that I have any ill effects-my wife, on the other hand, will happily tell anyone about my "problems"!!!!