Yikes! Deer ticks aren't anything to take lightly. I usually just use OFF, although in our yard I like the citronella candles.

oh my..how awful for her Dawn.

I use Druide for now, but I have been researching on how to make something myself :)

I will keep you posted.

I've been using Skintastic so far on the kids.  We've had a number of ticks this year - all on my husband and me, and thankfully non attached yet.  I try really hard to check everyone as soon as we get in. 

I like the Fairy Tales brand for my kids.  It even smells decent.

I don'y know any natural ones, I am learning a lot here, thanks to you all!