How to protect your horse against horseflies
Written by Samantha |
Slowly the horseflies and flies are making a return. Horsefly bites and stings can be painful and annoying not only for horses, but also for humans. They can also transmit various diseases. Some horses might run away to avoid these insects or their bites, but this can be very dangerous. Below you can read what you can do to keep horseflies and flies off your horse and yourself.
Horsefly season
Now that the weather is warmer, the horseflies are everywhere around your horse. If it seems like they are chasing you, they probably are. They like dark, moving and warm surfaces, which is exactly what your horse is. If you sweat and/or wear dark clothes, chances are high that the horsefly will try to land on you.
How do you prevent horseflies on your horse?
In order to be able to work safely with your horse and to leave him safely in his paddock, it is important to keep horseflies and other insects at a distance, so that your horse is not stung or bitten. This can be done by using a horsefly trap, spray and fly blanket.
Horsefly traps
A good way to do this is with a horsefly trap. This horsefly trap offers an effective solution for combating horseflies, wasps and other insects. Spray the ball with a glue sprays, and the insects will stick to the ball.
Fly spray
A spray can also help you repel flies and horseflies, such as the Equi Protecta Coat Spray. This spray is 100% natural and works as an odour mask for about ± 12 hours, depending on the horse’s sweating. Spray your horse before he goes outside and one more time during the day if he sweats a lot in the paddock. If you want to use the spray when your busy with your horse, make sure that the surfaces that will be covered (such as under the saddle) are not sprayed.
Fly rug
A horsefly bite or sting from a horsefly can also be prevented with a fly rug. These come in different colours and patterns. Some of these rugs also have a neck guard and there are even fly masks for the head. It is important to measure your horse properly with the measurements indicated with the product, so that you are sure that the fly rug fits.
How do you prevent horsefly bites and horseflies?
As mentioned above, horseflies and flies like to approach dark, warm and moving objects. In order to be able to work and train as well as possible, it is advisable to wear clothing with the lightest possible colour. In addition to the prevention of flies, it also won’t attract heat. Dark colours absorb light.
