Fight the Flies: 5 Steps for Reducing the Fly Population in 2014

With the longer days and warmer weather, you may be dreading the impending invasion of flies. This year, why not get a head start on fly control? Here are 5 steps for reducing the fly population on your property this year:

1. Know the Culprit! Find out which flies are native to your area and tailor your defenses accordingly.
2. Be Proactive.

– Fill in puddles and washed out areas around water tanks. Small areas of standing water are breeding grounds for flies and mosquitoes.
– Make sure you have adequate shade and or shelter. Although cool dark areas are not a complete protection against flies, it does provide your horses some relief.
– Use Ivermectin based dewormers. Ivermectin will kill bots and eggs that have been ingested. As an added bonus, deworming will also help your horses shed out their winter coat.
– Keep stalls and pastures free from excess manure, composting, and decomposing hay. All of these areas are prime breeding ground for flies and other pests. Reduce the number of flies by keeping all areas around your pasture and home dry and clean.

3. Play Defense.

– Use fly sprays or wipes. Sprays are easy to use and effective at keeping the flies from biting. Bites can cause painful welts and irritability. Flies can also cause head shaking and frustration during riding. Using a wipe around the ears, nose and eyes can keep your horse comfortable and focused. One downside is that sprays must be used frequently and do not have long lasting effects.
– For longer lived protection, use barriers such as fly masks and sheets.
– Decrease the fly population around the barn and home by using fly traps. Fly traps can be sticky strips that hang from the ceiling, or traps that sit in corners or on the floor. These traps will lure flies inside with a sweet smelling formula, and are structured so they can not fly back out.

4. Explore Natural Options.

– Fly parasites can be purchased and released over breeding areas such as manure or feeding areas. These parasites are gnat-sized, low flying wasps that deposit their eggs inside fly pupae. These eggs grow and feed on the developing fly, thus reducing the fly population.
– Add garlic or food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) to your horse’s food. DE is made from fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton – it is also great for killing other pests such as parasites, fleas, and ants.
– Try a spray solution made from natural ingredients such as vinegars, orange oil, or citronella. You can find recipes online for different solutions – they do not all smell great, but if you are looking to use something natural, this is a viable solution. Always be sure the ingredients you are using will not harm your horse in any way.

Trust Your Horse.Your horse has built in protection against flies. Mud, dirt, and a long mane and tail are all used to fight off pests. Allow your horse’s forelock (“bangs”) to grow out in the summer to help keep flies out of his eyes, and keep your horse’s tail healthy and long so it can swish away biting bugs. If you are not riding that day, and if you can stand your horse looking a little grungy, don’t brush away the dirt he has been rolling in. The layer of mud will act as a blanket over your horse’s skin.

If you are interested in exploring fly care products, check out the selection at NRS HERE.