[morri2]

That's a good question Sylvia - in the 'old' days farmers used to apply tar (which I believe you can still buy) to keep the flies away.  There is evidence of the Cistercian Monks (the original sheep farmers of this country) using tar to keep flies away as long ago as the thirteenth century. Don't think it was particularly effective though and definitely no good for the fleeces.  If anyone has had any luck with a more 'natural' product, even if it does need to be applied daily, I would be interested to know too.

[bazzais]

We apply stockholm tar to our new lambs to stop the fox or badger getting a nice taste if it grabs a lamb.  Wonder if it also works for flies?

Ta

Barry

[woollyval]

If you are likely to shear late due to contractors apply Clik in March/ early April which will protect until July or keep the sheep in an exposed windy field away from trees if you have one and check them daily, keep them well trimmed around the bum and keep an eye on their shoulders. treat any that you see with strike immediately.....it will not be the whole flock and seems to run in families If you are near the sea or have primitives there does not seem to be such a risk as with the 'down' types with dense fleece. Always treat lambs as they either will not be shorn or will be shorn in autumn.
Citronella and garlic spray can work.....but do not rely on it

[shrekfeet]

I wouldn't take the risk. But you could try it and keep a close eye on things and then report back to us

[andywalt]

Its good to see all the views put forward, ....... my local shepard who has a fairly large flock discussed this with me last week, he said its a bit of a science....he sheers early (may)...then treats once with click at the same time, this year he got it right no fly strike, no additional treatments required altho he kept a close eye this october as wet and warm.

I think I will try this and be on guard with a dose of Crovect in October if required

[Sylvia]

I have Ouessant and Shetlands and will try "natural" methods next year. Spraying or rubbing in Citronella or Camphor also spraying with garlic water. As this will be done every day I will soon spot if it doesn't work.
Do you think that with Stockholm tar the flies got caught up in it rather than it kept them away?

[morri2]

Sylvia, I think I'll have a go at on the sheep I'm keeping for fleeces.    Do you know anywhere online where I can get the stuff?  I would think the farm supplies would be chemicals only.  Mine flock are checked daily too, so, like you say, we'll soon know if its not working.  Cheers.

[woollyval]

http://www.barrier-biotech.com/product.php?pid=BR

This is the link for natural product that is good

[Sylvia]

Thanks, Wooly Shepherd, I was going to go to Body Shop. A bit more expensive, I think!