Tl;dr: mosquitoes are good at learning, but they’re unlikely to become attracted to deet outside of laboratory environments in which their response to it is directly being tested, because they go a long time between feeding and each formulation they encounter is more likely to be different. Additionally, it was difficult to get them to feed the first time in the presence of deet, so the risk is probably highest when the repellent is wearing off, meaning you should reapply following the instructions on the product.
Flamethrower time
Good news, all that spray repellent serves double purpose!
Permetherin time, shit works great for all types of insects. Lasts about 6 weeks on clothes, kills insects and ticks.
Almost no ticks since I started treating my field work clothing with permethrin. One I did find was in obvious distress. I still get mosquitos landing on exposed flesh when wearing treated clothing.
At this point, slathering mud over all exposed body parts is the only solution.
That’s what natives in South America did. I think.
Anyway.
Mud.
So… Instead of biting me, they mount me and try to mate?
I can’t stand bug repellent. I’d rather get bitten. Honestly, unless it’s a swarm big enough to carry me away, I barely notice mosquitoes anymore. The one benefit I have found to tinnitus is when you can’t hear the little bastards, they’re surprisingly easy to ingnore.
One round of dengue will change your mind.
