Catnip Oil Shows Potential To Be Safe Fly Repellent

8/28/2009 3:16:56 PM

Studies in Lincoln, Nebraska show that catnip, a native mint plant contains nepetalactone compounds that are effective in controlling at least 13 families of insects according to Farmandranchguide.com.

Studies in 2006 show that catnip provides 95 percent protection against stable flies and 79 percent against house flies. Catnip proved to discourage stable flies from laying eggs when used in high concentrations.

Although catnip is not available for commercial development yet, tests on cows is the next step before researchers can look at producing the repellent commercially. The Journal of Animal Science estimated that flies cause livestock production annual losses of more than $2.26 billion.

Read more about Jerry Zhu’s research on catnip.

Source: Farm and Ranch Guide