Repellent effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil against cattle tick larvae (Rhipicephalus australis) when formulated as emulsions and in β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes.

•Emulsions containing 1%–5% tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia, terpinen-4-ol chemotype) repelled cattle tick larvae (Rhipicephalus australis) but effectiveness waned after 48h.•Formulation in β-cyclodextrin matrices extended the period of protection with the best formulation providing 49% repellency at 15days after application.•Proof of concept is established for the use of appropriately designed controlled-release formulations to extend the period of repellency provided by TTO against R. australis larvae.