Biting insects found on horse farms can spread disease; cause hives, skin sores, and hoof damage from stomping; and create an unpleasant environment for horses and owners. Here are five tips to help you manage flies and mosquitoes on your farm.
1. Keep it clean. Routinely remove organic matter including manure, soiled bedding, and spilled feed or waste hay from horse areas. Spreading or composting these materials will prevent fly development. Managing organic matter on horse farms is the best way to help control flies.
2. Manage water sources. Overturn or discard objects that collect and hold rainwater such as buckets and old tires. Clean water tanks often and drain rainwater pooled in paddocks, alleyways, or arenas. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources.
3. Provide a physical barrier between bugs and your horse. Fly sheets, masks, and boots can help shield your horse from biting flies. Fly boots can also reduce stomping and head movement to avert flies. Additionally, screening barn doors and windows can help keep bugs out. Lastly, turning horses indoors overnight can limit mosquito pressure on horses.
4. Use fly repellants for temporary relief. Citronella products including sprays and leg bands can reduce fly avoidance behaviors in horses. Always carefully read and follow label instructions when using fly repellants on your horse. Dirt, sweat, and water can reduce the effectiveness of fly repellants and may make reapplication necessary.
5. Target sites where flies perch as a fallback. After managing organic matter around your farm, you can apply residual insecticides where flies perch (e.g., barn walls or ceilings)––these sites are speckled brown with fly waste. Residual insecticides last longer when applied to clean surfaces. Always carefully read and follow label instructions when using insecticides.
Visit our website for more information on identifying and managing flies and other biting insects on horse farms.
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