05/09/2020
Tips for a Fly-Free Spring
START EARLY!!
As spring approaches, it’s a good time for horse owners to start thinking about preparing their yards for the battle against bugs. While there is no way to completely eliminate flying pests, a coordinated approach can significantly reduce their numbers and will help in keeping the horses comfortable. The secret to success is to start early!!
Insects are not only a nuisance to horses, but they can also be potentially dangerous. Some insects can spread diseases or cause allergic reactions. Mosquitoes, in particular, are known for spreading diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Western equine encephalitis. These pesky midges are best known for causing insect bite hypersensitivity or sweet itch, which can lead to itching, hair loss, scaling, and crusting of the skin in affected areas.
INSECT MANAGEMENT
To help your horse avoid these problems, it’s important to have a comprehensive insect management program that keeps you covered from all sides, from managing inside the barn to having a strategy to protect horses during turnout. Dyfly is effective used topically on horses as well as using in and around the stable yard.
KEEPING FLIES OFF YOUR PROPERTY
Managing the environment is every bit as important as managing the horses’ immediate area. Standing water on the farm can pose as a breeding ground for insects like mosquitoes.
Other types of insects prefer matter such as soiled bedding. This means that not only must stalls and paddocks be cleaned frequently, but the material must be removed, covered, or composted.
PROTECTING YOUR HORSE
Horse owners can also provide additional protection to their animals by using fly masks, boots, and sheets, which create a physical barrier between the horse and insects. Screens and fans can also be used to provide inside horses with even more protection.
