Abstract External parasites are economically important in livestock production in Mertulemariam Wereda, among which sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) is widely recognized to have highly affected sheep production. Participatory research was conducted in 2004 to test lethal effect of botanical extracts that have been used for crop pest control on ked and to screen effective herbs for the parasite control. Leafs of 'azoareg' (Climatis Sp.), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and endod (Phytolaca dodecandra) and fruit juice of 'geber embuay' (Solanum indiccum) were used. Crude extracts were prepared in such a way that plant parts were chopped and squeezed in which keds were treated. The experiment was laid out in a CRD arrangement in four replications. Number of keds died and time taken by the ked to die were recorded. Farmers analyzed and interpreted their data. The data were also analyzed using ANOVA and the mean time of killing was determined. Farmers indicated that all the botanicals could control ked infestation and help them to keep their sheep free from keds. Inconformity to the farmers’ results, the statistical analysis results showed fast mortality of keds due to tobacco and geber embuay followed by azoareg and endod. The research finding showed that botanicals used for crop pest control have lethal effect on ked. Farmers were further experimenting to determine dose, preparation methods of extracts, and multiplication and preservation of medicinal herbs. Farmers also recommended further laboratory-based research in collaboration with scientists.