Sheep Lice Control

Pour-on products

Applied along the backline of the sheep, pour-on products usually contain active ingredients like imidacloprid, spinosad, or synthetic pyrethroids. They’re easy to apply and provide effective control against lice.

Dips 

Plunge dips or shower dips involve immersing or spraying sheep with a chemical solution. They draw on active ingredients like synthetic pyrethroids and organophosphates. 

Insect growth regulators (IGRs)

These products interfere with the lifecycle of lice, preventing them from developing into mature adults. Effective options include triflumuron and diflubenzuron. 

Oral drenches 

The Flexolt Oral Lice Treatment for Sheep is an innovative new-to-the-market drench that controls isoxazoline-susceptible lice, including strains that may be resistant to synthetic pyrethroids and IGRs. This makes it an effective line of defence against lice on sheep and lambs with any length of wool.

Implementing a lice management strategy for sheep

The number one way to control lice and prevent reinfestation is by employing an integrated pest management strategy that starts with identifying the problem and addressing it comprehensively.

• Identification: Start by regularly inspecting sheep for signs of lice infestation, such as excessive scratching or rubbing, and wool damage.  

• Shearing: Shear the sheep to remove the bulk of the wool, reducing the lice population and paving the way for better efficacy of chemical treatments.

• Chemical treatment: Choose an appropriate treatment based on the type of lice and severity of the infestation. Apply pour-on products along the backline, or use dips as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to treat all sheep simultaneously to prevent reinfestation. 

The best lice control treatments for sheep

The best treatment for sheep lice in your circumstances will depend on the severity of the infestation, the type of lice, and the timing of the treatment you administer. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are generally the most effective approach, combining chemical treatments with good management practices to achieve optimal control. 

A common method of controlling lice on sheep is to use a pour-on product immediately after shearing when the wool is short. This will ensure better contact with the skin where lice reside. If you opt for this strategy, we recommend using a product with an active ingredient like spinosad or imidacloprid for best results. You can also combine a pour-on product with an IGR for longer-lasting control in severe infestations.

However, with the introduction of Flexolt Oral Lice Treatment for Sheep, treating lice has become a whole lot easier. Sheep and lambs can be treated with an effective solution regardless of their wool length, meaning there’s no need to time your application around shearing.

Does ivermectin kill lice in sheep? 

Ivermectin is a widely used antiparasitic agent that is effective against various internal and external parasites, however, its efficacy against lice in sheep is unfortunately limited as it only targets a few species. Instead, we recommend opting for products specifically formulated for lice control, like pour-ons and dips that contain synthetic pyrethroids, imidacloprid, or spinosad.

Lice control in sheep is crucial for maintaining sheep health and productivity. To best protect your flock from damage, consider employing an integrated approach that combines chemical treatments, good management practices, and regular monitoring.