Four Tips for a Fly-Free Spring

A coordinated insect control approach can help keep horses as fly-free as possible this spring.
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As spring approaches, it’s a good time for horse owners to starting thinking about preparing their farm for the battle against bugs. While there is no way to completely eliminate flying pests, a coordinated approach can significantly reduce their numbers and will help in keeping the horses at the barn comfortable. The secret to success is to start early, with the right gear, and the right preparation.

Insects are not only a nuisance to horses, but they can also be potentially dangerous. Some insects can spread diseases or cause allergic reactions. Mosquitoes, in particular, are known for spreading diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Western equine encephalitis. Horses can also develop an allergic response to the bite of Culicoides, also known as no-see-um’s. These pesky midges are best known for causing insect bite hypersensitivity or sweet itch, which can lead to itching, hair loss, scaling, and crusting of the skin in affected areas.

To help your horse avoid these problems, it’s important to have a comprehensive insect management program that keeps you covered from all sides, from managing inside the barn to having a strategy to protect horses during turnout. There are numerous types of insect control products that can help to create the ultimate management plan for your whole farm.

Keeping Flies off Your Property

Managing the environment is every bit as important as managing the horses’ immediate area. Standing water on the farm can pose as a breeding ground for insects like mosquitoes. While not all water can be eliminated, products like Mosquito Dunks are safe and are designed to eliminate mosquitoes in standing water before they’re old enough to bite

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