:: neighborly advice

Controlling Flies and Other Horse Pests

Flies and insects are the most common pest to bother horses. The most common are horse flies, deer flies, black flies, face flies, misquitoes and biting midges (gnats). Face flies are most commonly found adjacent to waterways, shaded canyons, and areas of high rainfall.

Horses perspire and it quickly breaks down insecticides, so you will likely need to provide daily treatments to effectively control the problem. Insecticide applications should be concentrated on the head, neck, withers, back, chest and legs.

Some ready-to-use insecticides for horses also contain repellents. You can also obtain repellents that do not contain any insecticide. These are not as effective for more than 12 hours, or less if your horses have been working.

The Mercantile has a wide variety of insecticide applications and repellents. Stop in to any of our stores to get what you need to help you and your horse make it through the fly season.