Protect Your Horse from Annoying Flies - Tips For Choosing the Right Fly Sheet, Spray, Mask and More

How to protect your horse from biting insects?

Biting insects like horse flies, mosquitoes, ticks and gnats can be very irritating and harmful to horses. Here are some tips to help protect your horse:

Use insect repellents

Apply horse-safe insect repellents like those containing DEET or permethrin on your horse's coat. Spray the repellent on areas insects tend to target like the face, legs, tail and underbelly. Avoid getting repellent near your horse's eyes or nostrils. Reapply as needed, usually every few days.

Install fans in the barn

Flies and mosquitoes don't like wind. Placing barn fans to generate breeze in horse stalls can help deter them from buzzing around your horse. Make sure fans are securely installed out of kicking range.

Use fly sheets and masks

• Fly sheets cover your horse's body to protect from bites.
• Fly masks protect the face and ears.
• Lightweight, breathable materials like cotton mesh are ideal.

Eliminate standing water

Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Get rid of water troughs, old tires, flowerpots and other vessels that collect rainwater around the barn. This reduces mosquito populations.

Apply fly predators

Fly predator products contain live insects that naturally prey on flies. Species like mini wasps, damselflies and fungus gnats can help reduce fly larvae around the barn when applied regularly.

With some diligent management using these tips, you can protect your horse from painful and aggravating insect bites. Be sure to check for any signs of allergic reactions from bites and treat accordingly.

How to keep flies from irritating your horse's legs?

Flies are extremely attracted to horses' legs and will bite, spread diseases and cause significant irritation. Here are some effective ways to protect your horse's legs from flies:

Use fly sprays

Fly sprays meant for horses contain insecticides that repel and kill flies. Spray a fly repellent containing pyrethrins or permethrin on your horse's legs before turning out and reapply every 2-3 days.

Try fly boots

• Boots made of mesh or fabric can protect your horse's legs from flies.
• Choose breathable materials to avoid rubs or overheating.
• Boots covering just the lower legs allow more airflow.

Apply leg wraps

Wrapping legs with breathable polo wraps or quilts can deter flies from landing and biting. Change wraps daily and check for rubs.

Use fly tags and masks

Fly tags on your horse's halter release insecticide near the legs and body. Fly masks protect the face and ears. Replace tags monthly and masks seasonally.

Remove manure

Flies breed in manure and are attracted to dirt on your horse's legs. Pick stalls daily, remove manure from paddocks and rinse off any urine or dirt on legs.

Use feed-through fly control

Feed-through fly control supplements like garlic and apple cider vinegar make your horse less attractive to flies when excreted through the skin.

Diligent use of sprays, wraps and proper sanitation will help deter flies from endlessly pestering your horse's legs. Be sure to check for any skin reactions from products. Rotate approaches to maximize effectiveness.

How to choose the right fly sheet for your horse?

Choosing the right fly sheet helps protect your horse from biting insects. Consider the following when selecting a fly sheet:

Type

• Full sheets cover the entire body while bib-style only protect the chest and belly.
• Detachable neck covers provide extra protection.

Material

Size

Measure your horse's length and circumference to get an accurate fitted size.

Belly Flaps

Overlapping belly flaps allow freedom of movement while securing protection.

Neck Style

Open necks allow grazing while closed necks maximize protection.

Reflective Elements

Reflective strips improve visibility at dawn, dusk and night.

Also consider how easy the sheet is to put on and fasten securely. Avoid overheating by monitoring your horse's temperature and look for chafing or rubs. Properly fitted fly sheets will provide the best protection during fly season.

How to prevent flies from distracting your horse during riding?

Flies can be incredibly annoying and distracting for horses when riding. Here are some tips to help prevent flies from interfering:

Use a fly mask

Fly masks made of mesh or fabric protect the eyes, ears, nose and mouth from flies buzzing around the head.

Apply fly spray

Spray a fly repellent containing pyrethrins on your horse before riding. Pay extra attention to the head, neck, chest, belly, and legs.

Cover the legs

• Fly boots or wraps protect the lower legs from flies.
• Avoid using fly sheets in hot weather to prevent overheating.

Try a fly-repelling neck cover

Neck covers infused with citronella or other repellents discourage flies from swarming the head and neck areas.

Use a fly-deterrent browband

Browbands containing repellents help keep flies away from the bridle area.

Avoid stagnant water

Flies breed around stagnant water sources. Drain or fill puddles, old containers, and swampy areas nearby to reduce flies.

Consider feed-through fly control

Feeding a fly repellent supplement like garlic or apple cider vinegar makes horses less attractive to flies.

With diligent use of sprays, masks and repellent gear before riding, you can prevent frustrating fly distractions. This allows you and your horse to focus on an enjoyable ride.

How To Protect Your Horse From Fly Bites?

Protecting your horse from fly bites is essential to keep them comfortable and healthy. Here are some ways to protect your horse from fly bites:

Use fly boots or leg wraps: Fly boots and leg wraps are worn by horses during turnout to protect their sensitive legs from biting flies and insects. They are a physical barrier that prevents flies from irritating your horse's legs and reduce the risk of painful horse fly bites, infection, and disease.

Use fly sheets and masks: Fly sheets and masks form the final line of defense by placing a physical barrier between your horse and the assaulting insect. They help protect horses from multiple species of biting flies like stable flies, horn flies, and horse and deer flies.

Use fly repellents: Fly repellents can be used to keep flies away from your horse. They can be in the form of sprays, wipes, or roll-ons.

Environmental controls: Environmental controls include fly traps, fly predators, manure management, and feed-thru fly controls that help to prevent the development of fly larvae in your horse's manure. Some owners also recommend feeding your horse natural fly repellents, like garlic.

Use zebra patterned fly sheets: Zebra patterns on fly sheets have been shown to reduce horse and deer fly bites.

By using these methods, you can protect your horse from fly bites and keep them comfortable and healthy.

What Are Some Natural Remedies To Repel Flies From Horses?

There are several natural remedies to repel flies from horses. Here are some of them:

Homemade fly spray: You can make your own fly spray using natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, water, and essential oils. Some recipes also include dish soap to help the solution stick to the horse's coat.

Natural fly sprays: There are several natural fly sprays available in the market that use essential oils like citronella, clove, lemongrass, and thyme to repel flies. These sprays are free of harmful chemicals and safe for use around pets and children.

Garlic: Feeding your horse garlic can help repel flies. Garlic contains sulfur compounds that are excreted through the skin, creating an odor that flies find unpleasant.

Fly predators: Fly predators are tiny insects that feed on fly larvae, preventing them from developing into adult flies. They are a natural and effective way to control fly populations.

Environmental controls: Environmental controls like manure management, fly traps, and feed-thru fly controls can help prevent the development of fly larvae in your horse's manure.

By using these natural remedies, you can repel flies from your horse and keep them comfortable and healthy.

Are There Any Natural Remedies To Repel Flies From Horses That Are Safe For Pregnant Mares?

There are several natural remedies to repel flies from horses that are safe for pregnant mares. Here are some of them:

Homemade fly spray: You can make your own fly spray using natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, water, and essential oils. Some recipes also include dish soap to help the solution stick to the horse's coat.

Natural fly sprays: There are several natural fly sprays available in the market that use essential oils like citronella, clove, lemongrass, and thyme to repel flies. These sprays are free of harmful chemicals and safe for use around pets and children.

Fly predators: Fly predators are tiny insects that feed on fly larvae, preventing them from developing into adult flies. They are a natural and effective way to control fly populations.

Environmental controls: Environmental controls like manure management, fly traps, and feed-thru fly controls can help prevent the development of fly larvae in your horse's manure.

Hot Horse Fly Shield Spray: This spray is made with premium grade natural botanical oils and essential oils in a water-based emulsion. It is gentle on horses and safe for use on pregnant mares.

Nature's Defense by Farnam: This water-based spray uses common essential oils meant to deter flies, mosquitos, and gnats. It is safe for use on pregnant mares.

By using these natural remedies, you can repel flies from your horse, including pregnant mares, and keep them comfortable and healthy.

What Are Some Essential Oils That Are Safe For Pregnant Mares To Repel Flies?

There are several essential oils that are safe for pregnant mares to repel flies. Here are some of them:

Citronella oil: Citronella oil is a common ingredient in natural fly sprays and is known for its insect-repelling properties. It is safe for use on pregnant mares.

Cedar oil: Cedar oil is another essential oil that is effective in repelling flies. It is safe for use on pregnant mares and foals.

Lemongrass oil: Lemongrass oil is a natural insect repellent that is safe for use on pregnant mares. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in natural fly sprays.

Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil is a natural insect repellent that is safe for use on pregnant mares. It has a refreshing scent and can be used in homemade fly sprays.

Atlas cedar oil: Atlas cedar oil is a natural insect repellent that is safe for use on pregnant mares. It has a woody scent and can be used in natural fly sprays.

By using these essential oils, you can repel flies from your horse, including pregnant mares, and keep them comfortable and healthy.

• How to protect your horse from biting insects?
• Use insect repellents
• Install fans in the barn
• Use fly sheets and masks
• Eliminate standing water
• Apply fly predators
• How to keep flies from irritating your horse's legs?
• Use fly sprays
• Try fly boots
• Apply leg wraps
• Use fly tags and masks
• Remove manure
• Use feed-through fly control
• How to choose the right fly sheet for your horse?
• Type
• Material
• Size
• Belly Flaps
• Neck Style
• Reflective Elements
• How to prevent flies from distracting your horse during riding?
• Use a fly mask
• Apply fly spray
• Cover the legs
• Try a fly-repelling neck cover
• Use a fly-deterrent browband
• Avoid stagnant water
• Consider feed-through fly control
• How To Protect Your Horse From Fly Bites?
• What Are Some Natural Remedies To Repel Flies From Horses?
• Are There Any Natural Remedies To Repel Flies From Horses That Are Safe For Pregnant Mares?
• What Are Some Essential Oils That Are Safe For Pregnant Mares To Repel Flies?