Coping with Spring and Summer Flies and Insects!

Flies are ever-present pests in the spring and summer months, attacking horses and ponies in several different ways; biting flies can pierce the horse’s skin and feed on its blood, while what we may term ‘nuisance flies’ simply lay secretions in and around the horse’s eye, mouth, nose and other sensitive spots, causing discomfort. Some horses suffer from an allergic reaction, which can result from any fly bite, and of course all the presence of landing flies cause annoyance and irritation to our equines.

Types of Flies

• Horseflies (Tabinidae) are most active on warm days, especially around woodlands. Favourite feeding sites include the horse’s underside, legs, neck and withers.
• Black flies (Simuliidae) are small in size and breed in rapidly moving water. High-risk times are dawn and dusk during spring and early summer, when stabling may be helpful. These flies commonly feed around the face.
• Midges (Culicoides) hover in swarms at dawn and dusk. Eggs are laid in standing water, so avoid stagnant areas of water if possible, at your yard or stabling facility. Different species of midges feed at different sites on the horse. Classically, mane and tail hairs are broken or rubbed away.
• Stable flies lay eggs in moist, rotting vegetation – typically, hay or silage that is contaminated with urine, water or manure – so are associated with poor hygiene. They feed on horses’ legs and abdomens.
• Other biters include mosquitoes, bees and wasps – these produce uncomfortable bites, as well as causing alarm to horses.

How to Treat Fly Bites

• For a one-off bite, apply an ice pack or bathe with cool, salt water. 
• For multiple fly bites, a mild horse shampoo can help to remove irritating scurf or bacteria, and cool the inflamed skin. 
• As they are alkaline, wasp stings should be bathed with a dilute acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Bee stings, however, are acidic and should be bathed with bicarbonate of soda.
• Try to prevent the horse making the affected area worse by rubbing. A soothing topical cream may help or an antiseptic cream for minor scratches and abrasions that includes vitamins that help soften and nourish the skin.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Fly Bites

• Use a physical barrier, such as fly mask or fly rug. A wide range from brands such as Horseware, Weatherbeeta and Shires to name but a few! 
• Use a fan in the stable, to blow away flies.
• Apply a long-lasting fly spray such as NAF Off Extra currently on offer from The Saddlery Shop for just £11.99 with a FREE citronella wristband for horse owners. 
• Keep horses stabled when the flies are bad.
• Spray clean stables with a disinfectant, to maintain a clean environment. 
• Try to eliminate puddles and ponds of still water where midges might breed.