After analysing 600 species of eucalyptus tree, researchers at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, have found that Eucalyptus staigeriana contains an oil that kills parasitic ticks without harming cattle (WO 03/03757).
Gas chromatography shows that the active killer is an acetate. The researchers say the plant material can be pulverised and churned with water to form an emulsion. When applied to the beasts’ skin, it kills any ticks and repels others before they can latch on. The same oil can be used on domestic pets.
