The Dog Days of summer are upon us, and our battle against the flies that plague our horses continues. Drenching them in clouds of oily, chemical- laden repellents seems our only choice, but are there other, more natural solutions that might be healthier for them, and us?
Feed-through supplements are an increasingly popular option. Much of their success in keeping insects away is anecdotal, but they may be a good option for you and your horse. The main ingredient in most of them is garlic, the odor transpires through the skin and acts as a smelly deterrent to flies. Garlic is also reputed to be an anti-inflammatory, which can help with bug bite reactions like sweet itch. Wendal’s Garlic Granules is an excellent single-ingredient product.
Other products add Diatomaceous Earth, fossilized diatoms that have microscopic sharp edges that penetrate the outer covering of insects and worms and cause them to dehydrate and die. It can work safely in the horse’s digestive tract, as well as in the manure to prevent future breeding. Buggzo adds apple cider vinegar to this mix both as an odor repellent and for its anti-inflammatory properties
Bug Check adds grape seed extract, a powerful anti-oxidant, that combats allergies. Uckele’s Bug NM contains MSM and thiamine, both which help maintain healthy skin. Almost all of the products use yeast, long thought to help reduce itching and maintain a healthy coat, which is vital to keeping your horse looking and feeling his best in the long summer months.
If you find you still need an additional spray, there are many options that use essential oils rather than chemicals. They are growing in popularity, and there is an excellent selection that differ mainly in the mix of oils they contain. Every horse seems to respond differently, so you may need to experiment to find the repellent that is right for you. Equiderma has come out with a new spray featuring Neem and Aloe along with other oils. Barn Barrier is great for horses that are sensitive to Citronella oil. It is one of the very few that doesn’t contain that ingredient. CLAC comes in both a concentrate and a gel, and its blend of Citronella, Clove and Thyme is reported to work well against irritating gnats.
Providing a physical barrier to insects is the ultimate non-invasive approach to fly control. Fly sheets such as the Amigo Bug Rug use a light breathable mesh and a detachable neck cover to keep biting bugs from landing. The Weatherbeeta Kool Coat adds UV protection as well as helping keep your horse clean with its solid, yet lightweight material across the back.
Cashel makes excellent quality fly masks with many fit options, and choices of nose and ear coverage. They even have masks for our long-eared donkey and mule friends.They are made of a slightly reflective silver mesh that gives UV protection. They also make the Quiet Ride mask that fits over a bridle, and makes hacks in the woods more pleasant. Their Leg Guards cut down on stomping in the barn and pasture, keeping hooves in better shape.
Finally, never forget the power of moving air. If you are able, providing shelter and shade in a barn that is equipped to mount fans is optimal. The wind generated by ceiling fans and caged high-velocity fans will keeps flies at bay. Always make sure your fans are clean and in good working order and hang them well out of reach of curious horses. Unplug them when not in use, and beware of fire hazards.
Don’t despair, the kinder temperatures of autumn are just around the corner. Before you know it, you will be breaking out the rain sheets and stable blankets. Until then, keep your cool, and keep it natural!
