Horsefly Control: Banish the Bite and Keep Your Horse Happy

Last updated: September 9, 2024

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

Horseflies are more than just a nuisance; they pose significant challenges for horse owners. These persistent pests can cause distress to horses, lead to health issues, and disrupt stable environments. This article aims to provide horse owners with comprehensive information on horsefly control, covering their lifecycle, their impact on horses, and effective strategies for prevention and treatment.

	Strategy	Explanation
🪰	Apply fly repellent	Choose a horse-safe fly spray and apply it liberally according to the product label. Focus on areas most attractive to flies, like the belly, flanks, and ears.
🐎	Use a fly mask	A well-fitted fly mask with fine mesh protects the horse’s eyes and face from bites.
🧹	Maintain a clean stable	Eliminate breeding grounds by promptly removing manure piles, leftover hay, and spilled food. Regularly clean bedding and scrape waste from floors and walls.
💨	Improve air circulation	Use fans in stalls and barns to create a constant breeze that discourages flies from landing.
🪤	Set horsefly traps	Place commercial horsefly traps strategically around your property, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
🧴	Make DIY bottle traps	Fill a clear plastic bottle with a mixture of water, sugar, and a few drops of dish soap. Hang the traps in shady areas where flies congregate.
📅	Manage turnout times	If possible, avoid turning horses out during peak fly activity periods, typically dawn and dusk. Consider early morning or late afternoon grazing sessions.

Try these strategies to create a fly-free environment for your horse!

What are Horseflies?

Horseflies are formidable flying insects, recognized by their large size (typically reaching 1 to 1.25 inches in length) and their ability to fly swiftly. They’re notorious for their painful bites, inflicted by females in their relentless quest for blood meals. These pests are easily identifiable by their robust bodies, striking, brightly colored eyes, and wings that are usually clear or have a subtle tint.

Common Species Affecting Horses

Several horsefly species can plague horses, each with unique habits. Let’s explore a few:

1. Tabanus spp.: These are the most common and widespread species. They are large, with striped or solid bodies, and their bites can cause significant discomfort and swelling.
2. Chrysops spp. (Deer Flies): Smaller than Tabanus, deer flies are easily recognized by their banded wings and spotted bodies. They are active during the day and are particularly attracted to moving objects and dark colors.
3. Haematopota spp.: Known as “cleg flies” or “common horseflies,” these have a mottled gray appearance with patterned wings. They prefer wooded areas and are active during overcast weather.

Understanding the types of horseflies that may affect your horses is the first step in horsefly control. Each species has unique habits and preferences, which can help you effectively tailor your prevention and treatment strategies.

The Horsefly Lifecycle: Key to Effective Control

The horsefly life cycle has four stages:

1. Eggs: Female horseflies lay their eggs on vegetation near water sources. Each cluster can contain up to 1,000 eggs, which hatch in 5-7 days.
2. Larvae: After hatching, the larvae drop into the water or moist soil. They feed on organic matter and small organisms for several months, going through multiple molts.
3. Pupae: The larval stage ends when they pupate in dry soil. This stage lasts a few weeks, during which the larvae transform into adults.
4. Adults: Adult horseflies emerge from the pupae, ready to mate and feed. Females seek blood meals to develop their eggs, while males typically feed on nectar.

Seasonal Patterns and Peak Activity Times

Horseflies are most active during warm months, particularly in late spring and summer. They thrive in humid environments and are often found near water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and marshes. Peak activity times are during daylight hours, especially on warm, sunny days. Understanding these patterns can help horse owners take timely preventive measures for effective horsefly control.

How Horseflies Affect Horses

Horsefly bites are painful and can cause the following symptoms in horses:

• Skin sensitivity: Repeated bites can cause skin irritation and, in some cases, trigger allergic reactions, leading to further discomfort and potential complications.
• Painful welts and swelling: Horsefly bites create large, itchy welts that can cause significant discomfort and distress for your horse.
• Agitation and stress: The constant buzzing and biting can lead to anxiety and restlessness, making it difficult for your horse to relax or focus on training.
• Disturbed behavior: Watch for signs like excessive stomping, tail swishing, head tossing, or even attempts to flee the area, all indications of a horse battling these irritating pests.

Health Risks and Complications of Horsefly Bites

While usually just irritating, horsefly bites can lead to:

• Infections: Bites can become infected if not properly treated.
• Allergic Reactions: Some horses may experience severe allergic reactions, leading to hives or difficulty breathing.
• Disease Transmission: Horseflies can transmit equine infectious anemia (EIA) and other bloodborne diseases.

Horsefly Prevention and Protection Strategies

Effective Stable Management for Horse Fly Control.

• Stable Management: Keep stables clean and dry to discourage horsefly breeding. Learn more about stable hygiene.
• Turnout Timing: Avoid turning horses out during peak horsefly activity times.
• Shelters: Provide shaded shelters or barns where horses can escape from horseflies.

Choosing Effective Repellents

• Repellents: Opt for horsefly-specific sprays or spot-on treatments with permethrin or pyrethrin for maximum effectiveness. Check out my article on homemade horsefly sprays.
• Protective Gear: Fly masks, sheets, and leg wraps can provide a physical barrier against horsefly bites.

Environmental Management Tips for Controlling Horseflies

• Water Management: Eliminate standing water around the stable area to reduce breeding sites.
• Vegetation Control: Keep grass and weeds trimmed, especially near water sources.
• Traps: Use horsefly traps to reduce the local population. Find the best traps here.

Personal Experiences and Tips

• “Using fly sheets and masks has drastically reduced the number of bites my horses get during the summer.” – Sarah, horse owner from Florida.
• “Regularly cleaning and drying the stable area has helped us keep the horsefly population in check.” – Mike, horse owner from Texas.

Maintaining a Horsefly-Free Stable: Best Practices

• Implement a regular schedule for cleaning and water management.
• Rotate the use of different repellents to prevent resistance.

Treating Horsefly Bites: Immediate Steps and Remedies

Immediate Steps to Take After a Horsefly Bite

• Clean the Bite: Wash the bite area with soap and water to prevent infection.
• Apply a Cold Compress: Reduce swelling and discomfort with a cold compress.

Home Remedies and Treatments for Horsefly Bites

• Anti-Inflammatory Creams: Apply over-the-counter creams to soothe irritation.
• Herbal Remedies: Aloe vera gel or calendula ointment can provide relief.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

• Worsening Swelling or Discomfort: If the swelling doesn’t improve within a day or two, or if your horse seems increasingly distressed, it’s time to call the vet.
• Infection Alert: Redness, warmth, pus, or any discharge from the bite site are signs of a possible infection requiring prompt veterinary attention.
• Allergic Emergency: Hives, difficulty breathing, or frantic scratching could indicate a severe allergic reaction. Seek immediate veterinary care – this is an emergency!

Best Products and Tools for Horsefly Control

Top Recommended Sprays, Traps, and Products for Horsefly Control

• Sprays: Farnam Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Spray,
• Traps: Big Bag Fly Trap.
• Spot-On Treatments: Equi-Spot Spot-On Fly Control.

Personal Experiences and Tips

I’m writing this article during the hot, humid month of June in South Louisiana. Battling horseflies is a daily routine here and something we must be good at for the health and comfort of our horses. It’s practically fly spray season all year round. I’ve tried countless brands, but my go-to has become Endure. It doesn’t seem to bother the horses, and it lasts through a good Louisiana sweat session!

In addition to sprays, here are some of my top tips:

• Use Fly Sheets and Masks: Using fly sheets and masks has drastically reduced the number of bites my horses get. It’s like giving them their personal force field against those pesky flies!
• Maintain Clean and Dry Stables: Regularly cleaning and drying the stable area has helped keep the horsefly population in check. Remember, horseflies love damp, dirty places, so keeping things tidy is key! Also, I store used horse shavings far away from the barn to reduce potential breeding grounds.
• Use Stall Fans: Installing stall fans has been our biggest game-changer. It’s incredible how much a gentle breeze keeps the flies at bay. My horses are so much more comfortable now, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Hang Fly Paper: You can’t beat good old-fashioned fly paper for getting rid of those pesky horseflies that sneak into the barn. I hang it strategically around doorways and windows, and it catches a surprising amount!
• Homemade Traps: We’ve also had success with homemade traps. Hanging clear bottles filled with water and sugar attracts the flies, and they get stuck inside. It’s a simple, inexpensive solution that works!
• RESCUE! Big Bag Fly Trap: I’ve found the RESCUE! Big Bag Fly Trap is a lifesaver. I hang a few around the barn, and they immediately make a noticeable difference in reducing the fly population.

Horseflies are relentless, but I’m determined to protect my horses. I’ve also noticed that the flies build resistance to sprays over time. That’s why I rotate between different brands and formulations to stay ahead of the game.

FAQs on Horsefly Control

Key Takeaways: Winning the War on Horseflies

• Understand the Enemy: Knowledge is power! Familiarize yourself with the horsefly lifecycle and seasonal patterns to effectively anticipate and target their presence.
• Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep stables and pastures clean and dry, eliminate standing water, and store manure and hay properly to reduce horsefly breeding grounds.
• Utilize Barriers and Repellents: Fly masks, sheets, and well-timed turnout schedules offer physical protection, while sprays and spot-on treatments provide chemical defense against horseflies.
• Employ Traps and Natural Solutions: Implement commercial and DIY traps to reduce fly populations actively.
• Monitor Your Horse Closely: Regularly inspect for bites, and seek veterinary care promptly if you observe signs of infection, allergic reactions, or disease transmission.

Remember: The battle against horseflies requires a multi-faceted approach. By diligently applying these proven strategies, you can create a comfortable, fly-free haven for your equine companion.

Take action today: Visit horseracingsense.com for more detailed information, additional resources, and expert advice. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest horse care tips and strategies. Together, we can ensure our horses remain healthy, comfortable, and free from the distress caused by horseflies.

I’m always looking for new ways to win this battle! Have you found any particularly effective fly control methods that have worked wonders for you and your horses? Let me know in the comments; I’d love to hear your stories and learn from your experiences!”

List of Authorities

• American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)
  • Website: AAEP

• The Horse (A trusted resource for equine health care)
  • Website: The Horse

• University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
  • Website: University of Kentucky Equine

• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Website: TVMDL

• North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Website: NC State Veterinary Medicine