Author Topic: Midge repellant (Read 685 times)

moprabbit · « **on:** April 29, 2024, 11:27:10 pm »

With the possibility of Bluetongue hanging over us, I'm looking at making my own midge repellant using essential oils. Midges apparently dislike the smell of lavender, lemongrass, teatree oil and peppermint to name but a few! I was going to mix a few drops of these oils in water and use it as a spray. Just wondered if these oils are ok to use on sheep or if anyone had any other suggestions for a midge repellant? Thank you

Bishybarneybee · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2024, 07:41:37 am »

I made up my own repellent last year for my ewes to use until they were sheared. I also used it on the lambs.

The mix of essential oils I used were 60% Citronella, 20% lavender and 20% peppermint in a spray bottle topped up with water and shaken well before use.

It seemed to work OK and I didn't have any problems. Once they got used to it the sheep were quite happy with it too.

I'm planning to do the same this year and also use a garlic lick bucket to help repel the midges.

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2024, 03:05:10 pm »

All are slightly repellant I think, but the effect seems to wear off quickly, and they shouldn't be used daily on animals which self-groom or mutually groom. (Which means okay for sheep on a daily basis?)

I wear a citronella pendant when milking, and once weaned, we put a coconut oil and tea tree salve on the udder after milking, to keep flies at bay for half an hour (while the teat entrances are open.) These things help but are not 100%.