So, its summer, you’re loving the extra daylight hours, the sun is shining, the fields are full of butterflies and bees and then bamb! The freaky flies are out in abundance.
From those small bitey midges (responsible for sweet itch) to huge horse flies (most people have had a slapping contest with these guys) to the everyday house fly (sat on your horses eyes) and don’t forget the bot flies (these guys left untreated, can cause serious infestation problems), flies of all kinds cause us and our horses frustration.
It’s a known fact that flies love a bit of stinky dirt and house flies regularly feed and lay eggs on faeces, rubbish, decaying animals, and other filthy places, transferring disease-ridden microbes. If you’ve ever wondered why a fly infestation can get out of hand so fast, it’s due to their rapid reproductive cycle. A single female house fly can lay up to 500 eggs over the span of just three to four days and repeat the cycle multiple times throughout her life. House flies typically live 15 to 25 days, but can survive up to two months under optimal conditions.
What can we do to help keep our equine friends comfortable?
Flies love a bit of horse sweat – if you can, wash off any excess sweat after exercise. Keep things clean, do not allow water to gather in old dirty buckets, bins, or wheelbarrows that have been left around the yard. Keeping your horse’s turnout clean with regular “poo picking” is also important to reduce the number and proximity of flies. Check your horse for bot fly eggs daily and use a bot knife to remove any. Fly masks for faces and fly rugs for body and neck can be highly effective by preventing flies and other biting insects from getting to your horse’s skin. Some fly repellents come as sprays, making them quick and easy to use. For horses that don’t like sprays, gels are a great alternative, simply wipe on to a clean sponge and rub the areas you want covered.
Using Fly Repellents
We get asked the same question every week:.. ‘Which horse fly repellent should I buy?’
We know, we know, with the market full of different brands we get asked this question on a regular basis. But, it really depends on the surroundings, woodlands, ditches and the horse, sprays, gels, tags etc. A tried and tested method is the best way to find which one works best for your horse.
Remember, repellents are not waterproof so reapplication will be required during the day.
We have broken down the common ingredients found in equine fly repellents:
REPELLENT ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Some plants have the natural ability to mask scents that are attractive to insects, while others can confuse the insects odour receptors and create an unappealing landing environment for them.
DEET (diethyl-m-toluamide)
DEET is a synthetic, versatile and effective insect repellent, it works by confusing the flies receptors, so while they may continue to fly – they will struggle and be confused by where they may land. Used at the upper end recommended for Equine’s effects can last 6-8 hours.
Permethrin and Cypermethrin
These products are not approved for topical application to horse other than as agreed by the Veterinary Medicines Directive, due to their high toxicity. Both work by targeting the nervous system, creating paralysis when the insect lands. These compounds are toxic to both fish and cats, so caution would be advised when using around your horse – particularly if your yard relies on an efficient feline for rodent control. Permethrin and Cypermethrin are neurotoxins, however, they are broken down quickly in sunlight which may limit their long lasting capabilities.
Oils & Extracts:
Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil
A naturally derived oil with proven insect repellence and a lemon scent. The oil is used in many different insect repellents as it is believed to disrupt the insects odour receptors.
Citronella Oil
Oil of citronella repels target pests rather than killing them. It works by masking scents that are attractive to insects. Thus, insects find it difficult to locate their target to feed. Oil of citronella may also work by masking odours attractive to animals.
Lavendin:
Lavandin Grosso variety has the most traditional Lavender scent which makes it a useful repellent to many flying, biting insects.
Cedarwood:
In addition to its pleasing scent, cedarwood oil also is prized for its insect-repelling and anti-fungal properties.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera can keep flies away as it contains aloin, a natural insect-repellent.
Chrysanthemum Cineraria folium
The second is the addition of chrysanthemum cineraria folium extract, a natural pyrethrum, which when combined with the existing concentration of cypermethrin has a synergistic effect, helping to deliver an even faster knockdown and longer-lasting residual for ongoing control of all life-cycle stages.
Geraniol / Geranial
Geraniol and geranial are both natural compounds found in certain plants, particularly roses, geraniums, and palmarosa oil, and are known for their insect repellent properties.
We hope this guide has given you useful information for your next choice of repellent.