Jim Arends of Clayton, N.C., is a rare combination� �� ��a nationally
respected entomologist who also owns horses. As a professional bug man,
Arends has tried many strategies for fly control around his stables and
pastures. Here are his favorites:
Fly bonnets, masks and lightweight covers provide excellent protection,
especially for horses that are sensitive to insect bites. "If you look
at old photos of draft horses, they were usually wearing fly nets," says
Arends.
Wipes and sprays contain synthetic pyrethroids that are stronger than
the older products and last longer. The problem with wipes is that
horses sweat them off or the materials are washed off after workouts.
Spot-ons are permethrin-based formulations that are poured down the
middle of a horse's back. Labels for Equi-Spot and Freedom 45 Spot-on
include control of most flies and also mosquitoes. Although the labels
claim 14-day control, Arends says that control might not last quite as
long when horses are worked and washed frequently.
Flybaits placed around doorways and feed areas are good for killing
adult flies. "QuickBayt is head and shoulders above anything else on the
market," says Arends. "It has a new active ingredient that flies haven't
seen before."
Dewormers containing ivermectin or moxidectin (Quest) should be applied
after botflies end their activity in fall. In addition to controlling
internal parasites, these dewormers break the life cycle of botflies.
Cleanup of breeding areas is key. Stall bedding must be removed daily
and stable areas must be dry, or flies will quickly multiply.
"Taking away breeding areas is the most important part of fly control,"
says Arends.
Fly Checklist
Muck stalls daily.
Spread manure away from horse facilities and harrow it into soil.
Chain-drag pastures to break up manure.
Scrub water troughs weekly.
Spray rafters and ceilings with residual insecticides.
Cover feed containers.
Clean up hoof trimmings.