Fly Control for Your Horse

Summer is here, and so are the flies. These tiny pests are a huge annoyance to horses. They buzz and bite and can also spread some serious diseases. By using a combination of fly control methods, you can target flies at the barn, around the farm, and on your horse. Here are some ways to fight back against flies in each of these areas.

Fly Control for the Barn

Keeping a clean barn is one of the simplest things you can do to discourage flies. Manure is the main attraction for flies, so stay on top of cleaning stalls, runs and pens. The manure pile should be located as far away from the barn as possible. A good manure management strategy is essential to keep flies out of the barn.

In addition to manure, flies love moist areas, damp bedding, spoiled hay, garbage, and pretty much anything dirty or decaying. Sweep up spilled grain, hay and leftover feed so that it doesn’t become a fly buffet. Don’t leave trash around the barn, and if possible, use trash cans with lids. Scrub buckets and water troughs so they stay clean.

Well-placed fly traps can also help control flies around the barn. Most traps are designed to attract flies, so place these outside the barn or on the edge of the property to lure flies away from the barn and your horses. Sticky traps can catch those stray flies buzzing around inside the barn or tack room.

During fly season, you may opt to adjust your horse’s turnout schedule to stay in the cool, shady barn when flies, gnats and mosquitoes are most active outdoors. Stall fans can also help keep flying insects away from the horses.

Flies are less attracted to shady barns, especially those with fans or good ventilation that keeps air currents moving. But make sure manure is picked up regularly, or the flies will be drawn in! Photo by Lubo Ivanko/Shutterstock

A Fly-Free Farm

A great way to cut down on the fly population around your horse’s home is to stop more flies from hatching. If you begin this type of fly control early in the season, you’ll have a head start on a fly-free farm.

Feed-Through Fly Control: Fed daily, these fly control supplements prevent fly larvae in the manure from developing into adult flies. Feed-through fly control works best if all the horses on the farm are on it during fly season.