Mot flugor

Flies in livestock: a welfare issue

Stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) and horseflies (Tabanus spp.) cause significant stress, can transmit blood parasites, provoke eye infections and reduce zootechnical performance (milk yield, weight gain).

Fly repellent recipe

For horses and cattle: 90% linseed or liquid paraffin oil + 8–10% true cade oil. Optional: 1% geranium essential oil. Mix in an opaque pump bottle, shake before use. Apply on belly, flanks, legs and neck. Avoid eyes and wounds.

Efficacy: 3–5 h protection under normal conditions. Renew after sweating or rain.

Hen house: paint walls and perches with cade oil diluted 20% in vegetable oil to repel flies from surfaces.

Economy

At 8–10% concentration, 1 L of cade oil makes 10–12 L of finished repellent. For a 20-horse stable treated daily, allow 2–3 L of pure cade oil per summer month.