Fly repellent works in wet weather too

One of the leading fly control products used on UK cattle farms has been proven to work as effectively in wet weather as it does in dry conditions.

In a study due to be published in Parasitology Research, the product was applied to cattle and then to replicate a typical wet summer the treated cattle had water poured over them twice a week ensuring the coat was thoroughly wet each time. Hair was then clipped from the leg of each animal and Culicoides midge (those capable of transmitting bluetongue) were put in contact with the hair.

Regardless of how long the midges were exposed to the hair they all died. Even after being made wet twice a week for four weeks the activee ingredient on treated animals was still effective at killing midges.