Neem Oil - how to use?

[Jnhuk]

I have heard this is good for flies amongst other things. It certainly stinks!

 

[Gift Horse]

I buy cold pressed neem oil. I pour about a tablespoon into my hand wipe it down the mane, tail, belly and face every few days.

Test it first though my friends horse reacted badly to it.

I agree it stinks, is hard to wash off and a bit greasy but I do think it keeps the midges off.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I saw on Facebook someone recommended neem oil mixed with Avon sss and benzyl benzoate in a spray bottle. Apparently it's fab but I'm unsure in which quantities

 

[doodle]

Another vote for testing first. My horse reacted really badly to it.

 

[ameeyal]

It brings one of my horses hair to fall out, the others are ok, i mix 3rd neem oil to 2/3rds veg oil shake up before use i apply it under their bellys and in their ears.

 

[Cortez]

You need to mix it with a carrier oil, or make up a spray. I use 1/2 water, 1/2 neem oil + a dash of detergent (Fairy Liquid, or a shampoo). Shake it all up and use like a fly spray.

 

[cauda equina]

About patch testing - how long do you wait to see if there's a reaction, before squirting it on all over?

 

[Jo1987]

All 5 of the horses I tried it on had a reaction to it, skin came up swollen where I'd done a patch test. I'd leave patch test over night.

 

[poiuytrewq]

You need to mix it with a carrier oil, or make up a spray. I use 1/2 water, 1/2 neem oil + a dash of detergent (Fairy Liquid, or a shampoo). Shake it all up and use like a fly spray.

Why the detergent? I've heard that before

 

[Shay]

Detergent is an emulsificant - it breaks down the oil so it mixes more easily with the water. Otherwise water and oil are non miscible. You could shake really hard and get a rough sort of emulsion but it will separate back out really quickly. Detergent makes it easier. Or you can use a carrier oil - but in this heat I'd worry about roasting the poor thing alive - they don't need to be basted!

 

[poiuytrewq]

Ah yes makes sense when you think about it?! Thanks

 

[doodle]

Leave overnight to see if they react. But Minto reacted pretty quickly to it.

 

[Jnhuk]

Thanks folks - will try making up as a fly spray. Patch tested my guys and they seem ok

 

[Lucy Isbell]

You need to mix it with a carrier oil, or make up a spray. I use 1/2 water, 1/2 neem oil + a dash of detergent (Fairy Liquid, or a shampoo). Shake it all up and use like a fly spray.

Do you have the exact measurements for this ? X

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I've used it on my old sweet itchy boy and mixed it up half-and-half with Sudocrem. Be aware that it can stain greys & coloured's!!

Ditto advice re. patch testing. Essential with ANY new product basically; my old lad reacted really badly to pig oil and sulphur yet you see people recommending it all over the place.....

 

[Cortez]

Do you have the exact measurements for this ? X

Erm, half neem, half water, squirt (= what you'd use on your hair) of shampoo is exact......like, 250ml water + 250ml neem oil + squirt shampoo/detergent, or 500ml water + 500ml neem + BIG squirt detergent, or 1ltr water + 1ltr neem + REALLY BIG squirt, and so on..

 

[ponyparty]

Def test first - every year/season that you use it! I tested it and used it with no problems on my boy one summer; the following summer, I slapped it straight on thinking it was safe and he reacted to it, got big sort of blisters which peeled off

 

[Reacher]

Am I the only one with a horse who thinks it smells delicious and wants to eat it?? ?

 

[cindars]

Only used it as a cream got it from local health shop tiny pot was quite
E expensive only use it on cuts also brilliant if anyone gets stung I.e horseflys

 

[Griffin]

Mine reacted to neem oil but she is bit of a reactor anyway (we don't do alfalfa either). It's a shame because it is supposed to be very effective!

 

[Haphazardhacker]

Am I the only one with a horse who thinks it smells delicious and wants to eat it?? ?

My bottle has duct tape on it to cover the teeth holes made by my mare as she finds it irresistible