I've tried concentrated lemongrass oil and, though it did keep them from landing and biting, they were still swarming around me in concentrated numbers. It was like a cloud of mosquitoes surrounding my head but the lemongrass oil kept them only few inches away. It was nerve racking and i couldn't take it. The net provides me better peace of mind. I buy them in packs, camo color, and they last a long time and don't tear. I wear bucket hats or sunhats to keep sun off me and off my face and neck.