Keeping Your Horse Happy and Fly-Free: Effective Strategies for Fly Prevention during Fly Season

As a horse owner, protecting your horse from various pests, including flies, is important. Flies can cause discomfort, skin irritations and transmit diseases to your horse. Fly season is particularly challenging, as these tiny parasites thrive in warm weather. However, with proper preventive measures, you can keep your horses safe while also enjoying the gorgeous weather. This blog will explore practical strategies to protect your horse from flies during fly season.

Different types of flies that can impact your horse

When it comes to the fly season, there is more than one type of fly that can cause trouble for your horse. Understanding the different flies that can impact your horse will help you take appropriate preventive measures. Here are some common types of flies to be aware of:

Horse flies

Horse flies, those large and robust creatures, are notorious for their painful bites. The determined pests known as horse flies love hanging around wooded areas or bodies of water during warmer months, particularly in moist soil areas like near streams and damp woodlands. As a result, horse flies target horses and other animals, causing significant irritation and discomfort. Their bites can leave painful welts and, in some cases, trigger allergic reactions.

Midges

Don’t underestimate the power of these tiny troublemakers, also known as no-see-ums or gnats! Midges love moist habitats like marshes and areas with standing water. As a result, their itchy bites often target your horse’s face, neck, and belly. With its tiny but troublesome presence, the midge bites the horse’s skin, and the saliva it injects triggers an allergic reaction, resulting in intense itching and skin irritation. Some horses can even develop hypersensitivity or severe itching due to midge bites.

Black flies

Meet the tiny but mighty black flies. In the summer, black flies may be a major issue for both horses and riders. They are primarily found in mixed birch and juniper woodlands but also in pine forests, moorlands, and pastures at lower elevations. They are most active during the day and have a knack for zeroing in on your horse’s ears, face, and legs. Unfortunately, black flies leave itchy and bothersome bites, leading to allergic reactions and skin irritations.

Stable flies

Watch out for those sneaky stable flies! They may resemble regular house flies, but they possess a painful bite. You can usually find them buzzing around your horse’s legs, belly, and areas where moisture accumulates. Stable flies feed on your horse’s blood, causing discomfort, pain, and even skin infections. In addition, their bites can result in painful welts and, in some instances, allergic reactions.

How to keep your horses safe during fly season

To ensure the well-being of your horses during fly season, it’s essential to implement effective measures for their safety and comfort. By taking proactive steps, you can help minimise the annoyance and potential harm caused by flies. Here are some friendly ways to keep your horses safe and happy during fly season:

• Maintain a Clean Environment:

A clean and well-maintained environment prevents flies from infesting your horse. Regularly clean your horse’s stable or living area by removing manure, soiled bedding, and any organic debris that may attract flies. Use appropriate disinfectants and insecticides to ensure thorough cleaning and to deter flies from breeding in the surroundings.

• Implement Effective Fly Control Measures:

Flies are carriers, so controlling fly populations significantly reduces the risk of infestations. For example, consider the following fly control methods:

Fly repellents

• Carr, Day & Martin sprays
• Naf gels

Apply equine-approved fly repellents to your horse’s body, particularly to the lower legs, belly, and neck areas. These repellents help deter flies and flies from landing on your horse.

Fly masks

• Weatherbeeta masks

Invest in fly masks that cover your horse’s face, neck, and body. These protective gear options shield your horse from fly bites and help prevent infestations.

Fly rugs

• Gallop rugs

When it comes to protecting your horses from pesky flies during the fly season, using horse rugs is a smart and friendly choice. These rugs are designed to be lightweight and breathable, offering a practical solution to keep those bothersome insects at bay. In addition, by providing a physical barrier, horse rugs create a shield that ensures your horse’s comfort and overall well-being. With these rugs in place, you can let your horses enjoy their time outdoors without constantly swatting away those annoying flies.

Fly fringe

• Saxon fly fringe

For an additional friendly option in fly protection, consider using a cotton webbing fly fringe with an adjustable throat lash and touch close fastening. This fly fringe offers effective eye protection from flies and insects without the need for a headcollar. It replicates a natural long forelock, providing a barrier against those bothersome critters. With this handy accessory, your horse can enjoy a more peaceful and fly-free time outdoors, ensuring their comfort and well-being.

Regular grooming

Regular grooming plays a crucial role in preventing fly infestations. Establish a grooming routine that includes the following:

• Daily inspections: Inspect your horse’s coat, mane, and tail for any signs of flies, such as excessive scratching, hair loss, or small black dots (flea dirt). Early detection allows for prompt action.
• Brushing and combing: Regularly brush and comb your horse’s coat to remove loose hair, debris, and any flies that may be present. This not only helps prevent infestations but also promotes a healthy coat.
• Bathing: Periodically bathe your horse using equine-specific shampoos that contain fly-repelling ingredients. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure thorough rinsing.

Consult your vet

Your veterinarian is a trusted friend when it comes to the health and well-being of your horse. They are an invaluable resource, always ready to provide expert advice and guidance. Make it a point to schedule regular check-ups with your vet to discuss fly prevention strategies and seek their recommendations on suitable fly control products, vaccinations, and treatments tailored to your horse’s needs.

By staying informed about horse flies, black flies, midges, and stable flies, you can take friendly measures to shield your horse from their bites, ensuring a more pleasant and enjoyable fly season for your equine friend.