Thanks everyone. The neem oil sounds like a good option. Hope the smell isn't too abhorrent. I'll have to get something sorted as soon as possible as we've had two cases of flystrike this weekend - all due to be sheared very soon, but the weather has turned cold and wet last couple of days.
Anke, I know just what you mean now about the Bowmonts being difficult to shear. Not only are they hard to catch, but Nigel has had a serious hard time dagging them, even though we've got some new Lister shears. There was plenty of unacceptable language flying around.
. Nigel is learning how to shear, but we don't think he'll be good enough this year given than we now have around 40 which need shearing (we have purchased 6 more Bowmonts in the last month from Mrs. Campbell.) I don't think his back would last out at the speed he goes at the moment. I will have to warn the shearers of the difficulty when they get to the Bowmonts. Cheers.
Caroline.