Here are a grip of different home made recipes that i have heard all work.. i know the essential oil ones work, cuz i use it all the time.. but it is very oily and only works for about 1-2 hours at a time, then you need to re-apply..

1/3 epsom salt, 1/3 stale beer, 1/3 listerine and put it in a sprayer bottle.

rub bounce dryer sheets on you and tie to your belt loop or somewhere on you.

Safe Mosquito Repellant

5 drops Eucalyptus
2 drops Geranium
4 drops Lemon
I drop Peppermint
1 tablespoon Herbal Trim
1/4 teaspoon Massage Oil
1.5 ounces (3 T.) purified water (distilled water is fine)

Pour all ingredients into a 2-ounce spray bottle and shake to blend. Spray on exposed areas of the skin. Reapply every 2 hours.  From "Is Your Home Safe?" by Larissa Jones.

CATNIP MOSQUITO SPRITZ
MAKES ABOUT 3 CUPS

* 2 cups catnip, stemmed
* 3-4 cups mild rice vinegar

Rinse herbs, roll lightly with a rolling pin, then place them in a clean quart jar and cover with vinegar. Seal jar and store in a dark cupboard for two weeks.

Shake jar lightly every day or so for two weeks. Strain into a clean jar, seal and refrigerate for up to 6 months unused.

To use, spritz on exposed skin and around outdoor dining area.

CATNIP AND ROSEMARY MOSQUITO CHASING OIL
MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS.

* 2 cups catnip, stemmed
* 1 cup rosemary, cut in 6-inch sprigs
* 2 cups grapeseed oil or any light body-care oil

Roll herbs lightly with a rolling pin and pack into a clean jar. Cover with oil, seal jar and place in a cool, dark cupboard for two weeks.

Shake jar lightly every day or so for two weeks. Strain into a clean jar, seal and refrigerate for up to 8 months unused.

Insect Repellent
Here is an easy repellent to make that has a shelf life of around six months. Label jars “mosquito,” “tick,” etc. for quick identification.

1o to 25 drops essential oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (olive oil is fine)
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel (optional)
Combine the ingredients in a glass jar. Shake to blend. Dab a few drops on your skin or clothing.
Here are some suggestions for your choice of essential oils:

Bug Repellent Essential Oils
Caution: Pregnant women should consult with their doctors before using.
Ticks First Choice: Rose Geranium
Other: Palmerosa, bay, eucalyptus, European pennyroyal
lavender, tickweed (American pennyroyal)
Mosquitoes: Pennyroyal, lemon balm (citronella), thyme, lavender
Blackflies: Sassafras, lavender, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, cedar, lemon balm (citronella), peppermint
Head Lice: Tea tree, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, rose geranium
Fleas: Orange oil

Blend the following essential oils with about 1 tbsp. pure Almond Oil:
6 drops peppermint (Mentha piperita)
6 drops melaleuca or tea tree oil* (Melaleuca alternifolia)
9 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)
Apply as desired!

Here is an essential oil recipe that I have been using with quite a bit of success so far.
1) a base of glycerin from drug store (or organic oil vegitable base)
2) distilled witchhazel to thin it out (available at drug stores)
3) these esential oils :citronella, cedarwood oil, tea tree oil, sandlewood oil, pennyroyal, catnip oil.
Notes: pennyroyal should not be used on pregnant women. And catnip oil, will make your cat only slightly curious....but it is supposedly 10 times more effective than deet. The whole idea is to smell like a tree.

Insect Repellent
Ingredients:
¾ ounce Jojoba or Soy Oil
3 ounces Vodka
1/8 tsp (each) Essential Oils of:
Lemon Eucalyptus
Lavender
Citronella
Peppermint
Lemongrass
Cedarwood
Tea Tree
Directions:
Add ingredients to a 4 oz spray bottle, shake well before each use. 
Other oils that are known to repel insects are thyme, clove, fennel, geranium and celery extract.

Mosquito Repellent for People
I like to use a based of fractionated coconut oil. It is light enough that you can put this formula in a spray bottle, yet it stays on better than something water based. And hey, if my skin can get a little moisture out of the deal then that is a great bonus in my eyes.

    * 60 drops catnip essential oil (this is a 5% dilution)
    * 20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
    * 10 drops lavender essential oil
    * 2 oz. fractionated coconut oil

You can add whatever you like to help this smell better from the list above, but be sure to keep the total percentage of essential oils under 15% for safety.

Tick Repellent for Dogs
Never use essential oils on cats, but this blend has been effective on my dog for years. Ticks seem to dislike the minty / herby / woody scents the most. Always use a water-based solution for fur.

    * 15 drops tea tree essential oil
    * 15 drops lavender essential oil
    * 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
    * 4 oz. distilled water

Always shake well before applying, and avoid your dog's face. Spray liberally elsewhere and repeat as needed. My dog has never gotten a tick while wearing this blend and it smells fabulous.