The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Blacksheep on March 28, 2011, 07:23:58 pm

Title: blowfly prevention - effective organic/safe alternatives?
Post by: Blacksheep on March 28, 2011, 07:23:58 pm: As title really, I am wondering if there are any effective alternatives to Crovect/Dysect etc? Unfortunately I have been ill with allergies, including anaphylaxis and have been advised against using these, even with protection, as well as staying away from treated animals as I seem to react adversly to the chemicals in them, just wondering if anyone has come accross any suitable longlasting and safer alternatives - we try and get our ewes and rams shorn early and haven't treated them at all for the last 2 years and haven't seen any strike on them, however the lambs need treating as they can get blowfly problems. Thinking aloud we could consider shearing the lambs although I feel that could affect the saleabilty of those going as breeding stock.
thanks for any advice
Title: Re: blowfly prevention - effective organic/safe alternatives?
Post by: supplies for smallholders on March 28, 2011, 08:06:37 pm: Hi,

Worth giving this a try :

https://www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk/blowfly-repel-500ml-p-827.html (https://www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk/blowfly-repel-500ml-p-827.html)

Thanks
Title: Re: blowfly prevention - effective organic/safe alternatives?
Post by: shep53 on March 28, 2011, 08:20:03 pm: Organic farmers can also buy blowfly traps that you put on the fence around a field
Title: Re: blowfly prevention - effective organic/safe alternatives?
Post by: Rosemary on March 28, 2011, 08:21:19 pm: Anybody used this stuff? I don't like using chemicals but fly strike is such a horrible thing.
Title: Re: blowfly prevention - effective organic/safe alternatives?
Post by: Blacksheep on March 28, 2011, 08:45:51 pm: thanks sfs, do you know how frequently it needs applying? We have just under 90 lambs so also wondering how much they need and considering pricing. Do you have any feedback on its effectiveness at all?

re blowfly traps, will look into using these in resting areas near hedgerows, although whilst this would have an effect on the local blowfly population am thinking it is not likely to eliminate it, but could potentially work alongside herbal repellant.
Title: Re: blowfly prevention - effective organic/safe alternatives?
Post by: supplies for smallholders on March 28, 2011, 09:13:02 pm: Hi,

I'll have a look at the bottle in the morning and let you know - Ill also try to contsct some customers and ask their view on the product - as although we invite reviews only a very small % of customers actually provide one.

Thanks
Title: Re: blowfly prevention - effective organic/safe alternatives?
Post by: Blacksheep on March 29, 2011, 10:37:49 am: thanks sfs it would be interesting to hear how well it works, on a google search I came across it mentioned on another forum, several years ago, and someone it didn't last well, ie a problem after 10 days, and not very good in rain, but the formulation may have since improved.
Title: Re: blowfly prevention - effective organic/safe alternatives?
Post by: ellisr on March 29, 2011, 01:26:44 pm: Quote from: shep53 on March 28, 2011, 08:20:03 pm
Organic farmers can also buy blowfly traps that you put on the fence around a field

I was looking at this as an alternative/add on as I still had a few cases last year even though I used chemicals. I would prefer not to use chemicals if I could help it but after last year it does leave me a bit nervous just using traps.
Title: Re: blowfly prevention - effective organic/safe alternatives?
Post by: katie on March 29, 2011, 04:06:10 pm: I've used the blowfly repel spray - it seems to work -it smells very strong. I used it about once a week. I have Wiltshire Horn and because they have very little fleece, just put on a dot of Crovect against headfly and spray the rear end with the organic stuff.