buggers!

So, I've been out in the thick of the woods for quite a few days now, flagging new trails and re-routes of old trails. When I say thick of it, I mean pretty darn thick, heavily covered and very brushy woods with dense undergrowth. Most days I have totally forgotten to spray myself down with Deep Woods Off with DEET before venturing off into the woods, and I have suffered no consequences. Today, however, I sprayed myself down thoroughly: legs, boots, socks, waistline, arms, etc. Guess what? I got home tonight, took off my uniform, and found myself loaded with seed ticks and scratching from chigger bites! Do those little buggers LIKE DEET? I know I don't, it makes me feel a little weird after dousing myself with it. Maybe I'll just go without, but is cancer better to have than Lyme Disease?