Deet is short term. There is this stuff I used in the Army that is very effective, but it also has VERY SPECIFIC directions. Mostly, do not put it on you, or your clothes when you are wearing them. You spray it on the clothes you want to wear and let them dry outside. It is anti arachnid etc. stuff. You can buy it at walmart in the hunting section but for the life of me I cannot remember the name of this stuff. I have used it in Missouri, where the ticks eat dogs, and it does work.
Oh, you might grow an extra finger or two, just cut it off, you'll be fine.