Although most of us love spring with the warmer temps, longer days and more chances to spend time outside and with horses, spring time also brings along some not-so-nice things like pollen and FLIES. Now is the time to start making some preparations to deal with these pests. Here are a couple of key things to remember:
1) There is no silver bullet; you'll likely need multiple methods to reduce (not eliminate) flies
2) Know what flies you are dealing with, their life cycle and how to best control them
3) Be aware that chemical resistance can develop
Filth flies include house, stable, horn and face flies. These flies develop in moist organic debris such as: aging feces, soiled animal bedding and rotting feed debris. Cleaning up these areas can help reduce filth fly populations. Insecticides used on horses can provide relief. Insecticides use in and around the premises can also be beneficial. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW INSECTICIDE LABELS. Fly traps are also an option to help reduce fly populations. Parasitoid wasps can be beneficial as well.
Black flies, deer and horse flies, biting midges, and mosquitoes are all biting flies, not filth flies. Being inside or in deep shade can help provide relief from black, deer and horse flies and biting midges, but not mosquitoes. Being inside and behind screened windows and doorways can provide relief from mosquitoes. Eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito populations.
Here are some additional resources:
https://extension.psu.edu/filth-fly-control-on-horse-farms
Below is the link to the Insect Control section of the NC Agricultural Chemical Manual. Insect control for horses begins on page 148.
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/north-carolina-agricultural-chemicals-manual/insect-control
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