Fly Control: Protecting Your Horse from Summer Pests

With the arrival of warmer weather, horse owners are faced with a familiar seasonal challenge: flies and biting insects. These pests are more than just an annoyance - they can cause discomfort, transmit disease, and trigger serious conditions like sweet itch. Effective fly control is essential for maintaining your horse’s health, comfort, and performance throughout the summer months. Flies and midges can lead to a range of problems, including:

• Irritation and stress: Constant biting and buzzing can leave horses agitated, resulting in tail swishing, stamping, pacing, and even refusal to work or settle.

• Allergic reactions: Some horses suffer from insect bite hypersensitivity, most commonly sweet itch, caused by reactions to Culicoides midge saliva.

• Infections and wounds: Flies are known to worsen open wounds, increasing the risk of infection and leading to conditions like summer sores (habronemiasis).

• Disease transmission: Certain flies can spread bacteria and other diseases, especially around the eyes.

  
  

Four Key Strategies for Fly Control:

1. Fly Repellents and Sprays

A good fly repellent is your first line of defence. Products containing permethrin, or natural ingredients like citronella can provide protection. Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, paying close attention to sensitive areas like the belly and inner thighs. Some horses may need daily applications, especially during peak fly season.

2. Protective Equipment

Fly gear is an effective barrier method, choose breathable, well-fitting gear and check daily for rubbing or overheating.

• Fly masks protect the eyes and ears from irritation and can help reduce sun exposure, this is especially helpful for horses with concurrent eye problems.

• Fly rugs or sheets offer full-body coverage to reduce bites, especially on horses prone to sweet itch.

  
  

3. Stable and Pasture Management

Environmental management is crucial to reducing fly populations:

• Remove manure regularly from stables and paddocks - flies breed rapidly in manure piles.

• Drain standing water where mosquitoes and midges lay eggs.

• Use fly traps and bait stations to reduce adult fly numbers in barns and shelters.

• Install fans in stables flies dislike moving air and will avoid areas with consistent airflow, some midges are too small to fly in the breeze from a fan.

  
  

4. Managing Sweet Itch and Sensitive Horses

Sweet itch is caused by an allergic reaction to midge bites and can result in intense itching, rubbing, and skin damage, often around the mane and tail. Management includes:

• High-coverage fly rugs and long-nose masks to physically block midges.

• Anti-itch shampoos, barrier creams, and medicated sprays to soothe the skin.

• Veterinary treatment, there are several medical preventative and treatment options for sweet itch.

  
  

Early intervention is key - contact us if you suspect sweet itch or see signs of skin irritation.

In Conclusion

Fly control requires a multi-layered approach that combines physical protection, environmental management, and, when necessary, veterinary treatment. By staying proactive, you can protect your horse from the discomfort and complications caused by summer pests.

If you’re struggling with fly control or concerned about insect-related skin conditions, please get in touch with our team. We're happy to offer advice, recommend products, or provide treatment to help keep your horse comfortable all summer long.