It wouldn't hurt to have some kind of insect repellent. Try to get a copy of the May 2003 edition of Consumer Reports. It contains a pretty fair article on insect repellents. It rates a number of repellents that they have tested.

If you don't know where to find a Consumer Reports, try the book stores, or the magazine sections of the grocery stores, Wal-Marts, Targets, K-Marts, etc in your area. If it is difficult for you to get to a place like that, let me know and I'll summarize the info and relay it to you.