Efficacy of synergistic activity of seed oils from Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) and Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) on lethality of the cattle tick Hyalomma scupense (Acari: Ixodidae)

Background: Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a severe economic and public-health problem for cattle producers. The emergence of acaricide resistance to synthetic chemical treatments has prompted interest in developing alternative tick control methods. Aim: ticks both alone and in combination (1:1). Methods: were dipped in 25, 50, 100, 125, 200, and 300 mg/ml doses of seed oils; the mortality percentage was determined after 24 hours. Results: larvae and adult females at a 1:1 ratio showed synergistic interaction. Conclusion: Seed oils tested alone, and the mixture could be used as an alternative solution in the fight against ticks.