While sprays and masks provide temporary relief, the most effective long-term strategy is to break the fly lifecycle at its source. A proactive approach, beginning with excellent barn husbandry, is the key to protecting your horse's health and comfort.
Beyond the Swat: Proactive Fly Control for a Healthier Horse
As the warm Lowcountry weather arrives, so do flies. These persistent pests are more than just a nuisance; they are vectors for diseases like Equine Infectious Anemia, Pigeon Fever, and vesicular stomatitis. They can also cause significant skin irritation and allergic reactions.
A Vet's Approach to Breaking the Fly Lifecycle
Strategic Environmental Management
The foundation of fly control is eliminating potential breeding grounds. A single fly can lay hundreds of eggs, which thrive in damp, decaying organic matter. To disrupt this cycle, start with a meticulous cleanup of your horse's environment. Regularly remove and dispose of wet or soiled materials such as old hay, used bedding, and decomposing leaves. If you feed hay in a specific location, change it up frequently, and be sure to discard any damp leftovers that can quickly become an incubator for fly larvae.
Effective Manure Management
Manure piles are the primary breeding ground for many common species of flies. Implementing a rigorous manure management plan is non-negotiable for effective fly control. Stalls should be cleaned daily. The manure should then be moved to a dump pile located as far from the barn and paddocks as possible. If the manure cannot be removed from the property regularly, composting is an excellent solution.
Utilizing Traps, Sprays, and Predators
Once you have managed the environment, you can supplement your efforts with tactical tools. Various fly traps, from disposable bags to reusable jugs, can be placed strategically around the perimeter of your property to intercept flies before they reach the barn. On-horse fly sprays provide a necessary layer of protection, especially during rides or turnout.
Consider Feed-Through Supplements
An increasingly popular and effective strategy is the use of feed-through fly control. These products are supplements containing an insect growth regulator (IGR) that is ingested by the horse and passed through into the manure. The IGR is harmless to the horse but prevents fly larvae from developing into adults within the manure. For maximum effectiveness, all horses on the property should be on a feed-through supplement.
Physical Barriers and Wound Care
Physical barriers are a horse’s first line of defense. Fly masks, sheets, and boots are invaluable for protecting sensitive areas from bites, especially for horses with sweet itch or other skin allergies. It's also critical to protect any open wounds, no matter how small. Flies are drawn to them and can cause infections or lay eggs, leading to a serious condition called myiasis.
Partner with Your Veterinarian
At Carter Veterinary Services, we can help you create an integrated pest management program tailored to your specific property and needs. Don't wait for an infestation to become a problem.