Winter has gone by. You can hide your warm padded jackets along with the caps and scarves deep in the closet, take out your hats and hoodies and enjoy the sun and warmth together with your horse, which can finally go out on the pasture and graze on the green grass all day long (or as long as you allow him to do so). We all look forward to spring and summer. It is time for us to get back outside. Unfortunately, flies and other flying insects will come along the warm days and they will spoil your horse's (and your) life. Flies usually sit on the horses in places where they will be "safe", because your animal will have difficulty to get rid of them. Such places are for example eyes, ears, nostrils and abdomen. How to protect your four-legged friend against such unpleasantness? Preferably, the most healthy and comfortable for the horse would be for you to stand next to him all the time and shoo the flies away. But who can afford this? Nobody! So...
How to deal with flies at the paddock?
First of all – during the warm, or even hot summer season, let the horses out early in the morning or late in the evening, when the temperature is significantly lower. Second of all - put a light anti-fly rug, preferably a mesh one, on the horse, and if you don't want to cover his eyes with an anti-fly mask, at least put a fly hat on him, so that his ears are protected - it is always one place less for the fly and a little less stress for the horse. We have a large offer of anti-fly rugs, masks and fly hats, which will ensure perfect protection for your horse during its stay on the pasture. Another place where horses are exposed to flies, ticks and insect bites is the stable. So how can we eliminate or discourage the insects from being there?
How to get rid of flies from the stable - repellency time
You cannot keep your horse in a rug and a mask in the stable. There, it is better to use fly repellents. We recommend Absorbine Ultra Shield, a very efficient and durable spray, which you won't need to use every day (works indoors for up to 2 weeks after spraying). You only need to remember to spray the ceiling and walls in places that are not accessible to the horse, and to do so when the horse is outdoors to minimize its contact with the repellent. Do not apply the product directly on the horse. It is recommended to spray the areas where insects reside, which will significantly decrease their amount.
Another great method against flies and other insects are anti-insect lamps. The bugs are attracted by the emitted UV light and neutralized in short time without the use of any toxic and strong chemicals and without being harmful to the horse. You can leave them on for the night, because their light is dim and won't disturb your horses. BUSSE offers a nice model of such a lamp.
1. Absorbine Ultra Shield; 2. Fly-Stop; 3. Garlic Powder
Other measures that help control flies
Hygiene is crucial when it comes to fighting with flies, namely – cleaning up the feces on the paddock, lying fresh litter in the stable each day. Even bathing and cleaning your horse after each training, as the horse's sweat is as alluring for the flies as butter cookies for us.
You can also give garlic to your horse for some time, as it discourages the flying insects both from sitting on your horse and spending time in the stable. However, you need to be careful with garlic, because giving it to your horse for too long might have negative effects on its health.
What is a good product for horseflies and other biting insects?
A crucial part of the insect prevention is the proper hygiene of the animal. Clean horses are no longer very attractive to certain types of insects. Fly repellents should constitute a complementary care, particularly in the case of horses, which poorly tolerate the presence of ticks and flying insects.
What exactly are repellents?
Insect repellents for horses are products that repel insects and discourage them from getting close. The formulations come in the form of a liquid, spray or gel that is to be applied on the horse's coat or used indoors where the animals are kept. Producers often use natural substances (e.g. essential oils such as peppermint oil or lemongrass oil) rather than toxic ones, thanks to which the products are environmentally friendly and not harmful for horses. Fly repellents should be used before training or a trip to the field, as well as before taking horses out to the paddock. Such protection will ensure their peace and let them avoid painful bites.
Which horse fly repellents and other anti-insect products to choose?
In our store you will find several effective insects repellents that will perfectly fulfill their task. Try out a few of them and see which one works best for you. Repellents are divided into those for indoor use (e.g. Absorbine black) and those to be applied directly to the horse's coat.
Absorbine Ultra Shield - the aforementioned fly repellent designed to deter and kill over 70 species of insects that can make your horse's life uncomfortable. Additionally, just like deet repellents, it will repel mosquitoes. The product is designed for indoor use, in places such as stables and trailers. A great advantage of this bug repellent product is its durability. It will provide protection for up to 14 days after the surface is sprayed. Absorbine is available in a 946 ml spray bottle or a large 3.8 liter (1 gallon) container.
Absorbine Ultrashield Green
It is an effective bug spray to be used on the coat and skin of horses and ponies (both adults and foals) and even dogs. The Green Absorbine repels flies, mosquitoes and ticks and guarantees protection time for up to 8 hours without causing skin irritation or clumping the coat. The natural formulation is environmentally friendly and safe for pets. This bug repellent can be an ideal alternative to sprays full of chemicals and is suitable for horses with allergies.
Black Horse Fly Guard Natural bug spray or gel
Black Horse spray or gel are products that contain essential oils that both repel insects and neutralise the smell of horse sweat, which attracts them. Tea tree oil soothes itching caused by bites and ensures a pleasant smell. The gel is an interesting solution for horses that are afraid of aerosol spray and a safe way to protect the sensitive area of the head.
Horsefly is a highly effective bug repellent made by the Polish company Over Horse, also available in our offer. The product is intended to repel flies and other bugs, such as ticks, mosquitoes and blackflies and ensure maximum protection for the horse. It contains essential oils with pleasant scents. It is sold in a 650 ml spray bottle and in large 5-litre containers.
Our offer also includes a wide range of Absorbine grooming products to provide complete care for your horse's well-being:
Absorbine Miracle Groom - a special formula for bathing the horse. It effectively cleans and nourishes the coat, making it shiny and easy to brush. The product has been formulated in such a way that it can be used without adding any water. It is suitable for summer and winter and sold in a 946 ml bottle with an atomizer.
Absorbine ShowSheen - designed to take care of the mane and tail. It helps to keep the horse's hair clean, while also keeping dirt, dust, sand and mud from sticking to the horse's coat, in this way keeping it fresh for a longer period of time.
Additionally, our offer comprises Absorbine products which support post-exercise muscle recovery. These are the Absorbine Liquid Liniment and Absorbine Gel Liniment. Hooves are also a key part of horse care. If they are not properly cared for, or if the horse stands on a damp ground, rot can develop in the hoof area. Absorbine Hooflex Frog & Sole is an ointment intended for the treatment of the frog and the white line. Its special tube makes it easy to apply the product.
1. Absorbine Liniment Liquid 2. Absorbine Liniment Gel 3. Absorbine Hooflex Frog & Sole Care
How to get rid of horseflies? A summary.
The battle against pests and flies is an integral part of the spring and summer riding season. Fortunately, we can act in many different ways. In fact, it is worth introducing a number of solutions at the same time to increase their effectiveness. Insects not only upset horses, making training or everyday life difficult, but they also weaken horses, can cause skin problems and transmit dangerous diseases. How to eliminate horse flies and other bugs?
- Use insect repellents for horses - apply repellent in the stable, other buildings and directly on the horses' coat.
- Keep the stable and paddocks clean.
- Ensure regular grooming for the animals.
- Use gadfly traps and anti-insect lamps to catch or trap the pests, making it impossible for them to escape.
- Make sure the trainings are early in the morning or in the late evening.
- When taking the horse to the paddock, use antifly masks, mesh rugs and fly fringes.
- Supplement the horse's diet with garlic, as long as the ingredient doesn't affect its health.
- You can also use natural ways to combat insects: by installing bat and insectivorous bird boxes outdoors and growing insect repellent plants (e.g. catnip, lavender, lemon grass).
As you can see, there are several methods of dealing with flies. How do you keep insects away from your horses?
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
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