Fly season is upon us! We have had a tough time keeping our cows and animal spaces fly free. Our poor Clementine frequently has flies covering her legs. And the horse flies are really bad right now. Horse flies here get up to 1 1/2” long, and they feast on the backs of our cows. But with this fly spray, life has changed for our animals.
Witch hazel has a couple of important jobs. It is an astringent, which by itself keeps flies away, but its acidic properties aids in deterring them as well. It also keeps the flies from landing and creates discomfort because it dries out their exoskeletons.
Neem oil interrupts the normal taste and smell abilities of flies and other insects. It also disrupts their hormone receptors, eliminating the ability to reproduce. It is often used, mixed with water, on plants to repel different types of insects.
Castile soap contains fatty acids that help the fly spray stick to the animal and repels insects. It is used in the garden as well.
Mineral oil also helps the fly spray stick to the animal.
Citronella oil is such a strong fragrance that it keeps insects from being able to detect the smells that they enjoy. It kind of throws them off kilter, keeps them from landing, and sends them off in search of things that smell good to them.
Fly Spray Recipe:
2 Cups Witch Hazel
2 TBS Neem Oil
1 TBS Castile Soap
2 TBS Mineral Oil
30 Drops Citronella Oil
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