Homemade Fly Repellent for Cattle

Cattle often suffer from flies when the weather gets hot, irritating them and reducing both their growth rate and milk production. Fly spay purchased from a store can be expensive and contains hazardous compounds that can harm the cow if it gets in their feed, hay, or accidentally sprayed into their eyes. Some people make homemade fly repellents as an alternative.

  1. Wood Cleaner and Vinegar Mixture

    • Many homemade fly repellents contain vinegar. Some people find success mixing the properties of vinegar and a household wood cleaner, such as Pinesol. One example of this type of recipe mixes one cup of water, one cup of vinegar, one cup of baby oil, a tablespoon of dish soap, one tablespoon of bath oil and a quarter of a cup of household wood cleaner. Add these ingredients in a spray bottle and shake thoroughly before using.

    Garlic

    • Garlic can be used as a natural fly repellent both internally and externally. Crush garlic and mix it with one part garlic to five parts water. Let it sit overnight and strain out of the clumps of garlic. Garlic can also be added to the cow's diet to ward off flies. The cow's skin will produce a garlic scent that is found undesirable by pests.

    Herb Mixture

    • Slice a large lemon, preferably with a thick rind. Add the slices to a container with several sprigs of rosemary. Pour boiling water into the container to release their scents. Allow the container to sit overnight before straining into a spray bottle. The leaves, stems and flowers of elder bushes can also be added, as elder bushes are natural fly repellents. Shake the bottle before use and spray the cow liberally. This mixture creates a smell that is more pleasing to the farmer than vinegar or garlic alternatives.

    Essential Oil Mixtures

    • Essential oils made from various types of herbs and flowers can also be used as a base for a natural fly repellent. Lavender, eucalyptus, sandalwood and tea tree oils can be used singularly or in combination with each other. A few drops of these oils can be added to a solution of equal parts of vinegar and water and a tablespoon of dish soap. The dish soap helps the solution stay on the skin of the cow better.