This invention relates to a group of compounds for repelling blood-feeding ectoparasitic arthropods, and a method of deterring their landing and feeding on animals including humans, by applying in one or more formulations compounds that incorporate one or more sulfide and one or more hydroxyl groups to the skin, clothing or environment of animals, including humans. A method of repelling and deterring landing and feeding by blood-feeding arthropods on an animal by applying in effective amount one or more compounds that incorporate alkyl sulfide and alcohol moieties, or alkyl sulfide and amide moieties, or alkyl sulfide and amide moieties to the skin, clothing or environment of an animal.