Herbal Remedies for Animal Shelters
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Siobhan
Posted on: February 25, 2000

I am the Chairlady for an Animal Shelter in South Africa. I wonder if you could perhaps assist me with a problem we are currently experiencing. Due to all the wet weather and the constant bouts of intense heat, we are experiencing a problem with flies. We are about to move to new premises and I wondered if you could perhaps tell me whether or not there is a herb that grows into a hedge that is a natural insect repellent that can be planted to help in the future with this kind of problem.

People have suggested a variety of herbs for insect control. The trouble is that in order for them to work on flying insects such as mosquitoes and flies, the active chemicals from the plant have to become volatilized in same way in order to discourage insects from flying in the area. While many herbs do emit volatile oils spontaneously, there are none that we can think of that would do so in sufficient quantity to effect noticeable control. If herbs are trampled on then the oils can be released, but then it is question of how much is enough to provide protection.

The book, "Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable" (available from Richters) has suggestion on herbs to apply directly on animals for protection against insects. Direct application of oils and other herbs may be the more effective route for you to take.

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