Horsefly control can be achieved by keeping stables, pastures, and horses clean, using fly predators, natural or chemical sprays, adding vinegar or garlic to horse feed, and using fly masks, sheets, and chaps. These methods can prevent flies from breeding and repel or kill them.
Horse fly control has been a constant battle for horse stalls. The combination of heat and manure alone is enough to encourage flies to use your stall as breeding ground, but many tools are available to keep flies from ruining your time with your horse.
Horsefly control should start with a clean stable, clean pastures, and a clean horse. Keeping pastures, sheds and stables collected is a great way to avoid attracting flies. This includes keeping all food items enclosed in containers. Pastures should be harvested at least once a week and stalls every day. Keeping your horse groomed and clean, it won’t attract flies easily.
The market offers the simplest horsefly control in the form of fly predators. About the size of small flying ants, these insects are harmless to anything but fly pupae (cocoon stage). By destroying future generations of flies, the longer you use predators, the fewer flies you will have. The monthly cost is approximately $3 US Dollars (USD) per horse.
There are also fly sprays available for horse fly control at various price points. Natural sprays use ingredients such as calendula, chrysanthemum, lemongrass or cedar as a base. The benefit of using a natural horse fly control spray is that it repels flies while chemical sprays kill flies once they come into contact. Natural sprays are effective without coming into contact.
In the hotter part of the season, you may need to resort to chemical fly sprays. When used in moderation, they are effective and safe for your horse. It is advisable to give the horse hydrocleans or more frequent baths to avoid chemical buildup.
Other options for horsefly control include adding vinegar or garlic to horse feed. As with the introduction of any new product, even a natural one, it is recommended to start with a low dose and pay attention to any changes in behavior for the first few weeks.
For very sensitive horses, fly masks, sheets and chaps are an option. Many fly masks are made with a comfortable, cool, UV-treated mesh that protects your face and ears from flies, bugs, dirt, and the sun. Options are available with or without ears and with a long nose for horses sensitive to burns.
Horsefly control does not have to become a full-time job. With a few simple aids, you can forget about the flies and spend your time enjoying your stable and your horses.
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