They RARELY bother me, but, if I have one that buzzes around (not biting), I will usually set up the fan outside (seeing I observe from home). They aren't very good flying in a relative 100 knot crosswind
When I have used repellent, it's citronella. I cannot stand the feel or smell of DEET stuff myself, another reason I refuse to use it (besides potential synaptic impairment)