If you’ve owned horses for years, you know fly season is just around the corner. But for those of you who’ve recently joined the ranks, you’ll soon discover that waging a war on flies goes hand in hand with horse ownership.
For every aggravated, hoof-stomping, tail-swishing horse, and rider out there, the answer is not as simple as finding one “wonder” spray. If only it were that easy. Effective fly control requires an attack on multiple fronts — and that means your game plan needs more than one product. You can make huge strides in creating a fly-free environment by following Farnam’s Block-Repel-Reduce strategy:
- Block flies with an actual physical barrier to keep pests off the horse’s face and ears.
- Repel and kill flies and pests on the horse and in his environment.
- Reduce the fly population in the barn and on the entire property.
Flies are irritating, and the stress they create can ruin your ride. But they also spread diseases that can be debilitating or even life-threatening.
One such disease is Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), which you check for each year with the Coggins test. Flies are also to blame for spreading Pigeon Fever and cutaneous habronemiasis — those unsightly, weeping skin lesions known as “summer sores.”
Block flies with a physical barrier
Your horse’s head is like a fly magnet. Flies are naturally drawn to the mucous membranes around his eyes. His ears are also a prime target for flying pests. Although roll-on repellents are helpful, the most efficient method is to completely block pests by using a fly mask — an actual mesh barrier — like the SuperMask II.
Farnam, SuperMask II Fly Mask, No Ear
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Fly masks also protect horses from dust, dirt, and debris — a smart choice for trailering, or for a horse that’s recovering from an eye injury. When flies are especially bad, some owners leave masks on all day to protect their horses.
Repel flies on horses and premises
Next, determine which type of pests are the biggest concern for your horse and your geographic location. Then read product labels to be sure that the products you purchase will be effective against those fly species.
For long-lasting protection against a variety of flying pests, Tri-Tec 14™ Fly Repellent has quick knockdown power and keeps working for up to 14 days. Another Farnam favorite that’s effective against numerous fly species, mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks is Repel-X® Insecticide and Repellent. Horse owners appreciate that it also comes in a concentrate so you can mix your own spray and save money. If your horse dislikes sprays, you can always apply repellent with a washcloth or hand towel.
Farnam, Tri-Tec 14 Long Lasting Fly Repellent Spray
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Repel-X Insecticide & Repellent Spray, 32 oz.
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Consider your horse’s environment. For stabled horses, kill and repel flies in the barn with a product designed for premises use. For horses that are turned out 24/7, a spot-on repellent is especially helpful when you can’t spray them daily. Farnam’s Equi-Spot® Spot-On Protection for Horses lasts up to two weeks and is also effective against ticks that may carry Lyme disease.
Equi-Spot Spot-On Protection for Horses, 3 pack
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Reduce flies before they develop
The third, and critical, step to managing a fly population on your property is to use a product that interrupts their reproductive cycle. This is where a feed-through fly control product, like Farnam SimpliFly® with LarvaStop™ Feed-Thru Fly Control, comes into play. The active ingredients in SimpliFly® work in the horse’s manure, not inside his body. Simply add the recommended amount to your horse’s ration each day according to his weight. With daily use, manure no longer serves as a viable breeding ground for flies.
Farnam Simplifly Feed-Thru Fly Control, 3.75 lb.
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House flies and stable flies may lay eggs in the treated manure your horse passes, but their larvae can’t develop. Thanks to insect growth regulators in the feed-through product, the fly life cycle is interrupted, and the population takes a direct hit.
For best results, start using SimpliFly® early in the spring before flies become problematic. Follow label directions and continue daily use until cold weather restricts fly activity. Use the product daily on all horses on the premises throughout fly season.
Get rid of manure, their favorite breeding ground.
Keep in mind, the average horse produces 35 to 50 pounds of manure per day,
which amounts to about 9 tons per year! To win the battle against flies, you need to be diligent about manure management — even when using the Block-Repel-Reduce strategy we’ve covered here.
Both house and stable flies utilize manure as breeding grounds for larvae development. Moist areas like soiled bedding, old hay, and spilled grain also appeal to flies. If you feed hay outdoors, clean up any leftovers frequently, as stable flies like to breed in damp, decaying hay residue.
Clean stalls and corrals and pick up manure at least once a day. Ideally, place it in a dumpster to be hauled away. Schedule frequent pick-ups with a removal company if you aren’t hauling it off yourself. Another option is to make your own compost site. If composting isn’t practical, locate your manure pile as far away from the barn and horses as possible.
Avoid spreading manure and used bedding on pastures where you turn your horses out. You risk exposing them to parasites. Some farms do spread manure on fields, but then keep horses out of those areas for several weeks.
Whether you’re dealing with flies, mosquitoes, ticks, no-see-ums, or gnats, remember that success is achieved by using multiple tactics. Consistent use of a feed-through product like SimpliFly® with LarvaStop™ Feed-Thru Fly Control — and leveraging Farnam’s ‘Block, Repel, Reduce’ Strategy — will put you on the path to success, and bring you peace of mind.
Want to learn more about the fly control products we carry? Browse our website or stop into your local Wilco Farm Store for more options.
