what to put in oilers

by **farmgirlpenni** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 8:02 am

We just lucked out and got an oiler from our Co op, they had it for 5 years and couldn't sell it, it's one that you set up in a doorway and has a curtains about 5 feet long.
We are having a terrible time with flies this year and have had some pinkeye.
What insecticide can we mix with the diesel safely?

by **farmwriter** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 8:06 am

Never seen an oiler and we never have pink eye, but we use Corral and diesel on our rubs.

by **backhoeboogie** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 8:48 am

There's no way I would use diesel but I am in a very hot climate. I have no idea what climate you live in. Diesel is proven to remove natural insect resistant oils from cattle. Just think of you washing your hands with diesel and then going out into a rain. What's going to happen?

Any solution containing permethrin diluted as prescribed is about the best you can use in my opinion. A mild soap or surfactant (if you have it) seems to help it stick on the cows better. Ensure the soap is mild enough not to take off natural oils providing natural resistance.

I've never seen any pink eye in my cows until this winter. It broke out in totally black brangus cattle. Go figure. This is not a bad fly year either. It is probably my best year in the last 10. 2005 was beyond pitiful and a constant battle.