Did you know that flies actually serve a purpose? It’s true—they’re natural decomposers that help to break down organic matter. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean we want loads of them hanging around our farm—because they’re also annoying pests that bite our animals.
Chemical fly sprays tend to be the most common (though temporary) solution for horses. However, many of these products can be more harmful than the flies, themselves. For example, most brands use permethrin, an ingredient that can be fatal to cats and fish, as well as highly toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.
Natural fly control methods may take a little more effort, but in the long run, they’re better for our horses, ourselves, and the environment. With that in mind, here are thirteen natural ways to ward off flies:
1.) Natural Fly Spray: Instead of chemical-laden fly sprays, opt for a natural brand such as Topper’s Bug Buster All Natural Fly Spray – Peppermint Tingle. This unique peppermint-scented spray is handcrafted and custom blended with several great smelling bug-repelling essential oils.
2.) Plant Fly-Deterring Flowers such as marigolds and geraniums around your barn or pasture (If you plant in your pasture, make sure they’re the species safe for horses–Calendula officials and Geranium maculate.)
3.) Mow! Keep your pastures cut short. Shorter grass means less insects will hang out in it.
4.) Manage Manure. By keeping manure picked up from stalls, pens, and pastures, this will eliminate a major food source as well as breeding grounds for flies. But in order to keep the flies away from the manure permanently, you will need to have it shipped off site or compost it.
5.) Fly Traps: Use traps or non-chemical fly baits in the barn.
6.) Fans: Moving air in the barn keeps flying insects away.
7.) Fly Predators: These are a tiny insect species which feed on fly larvae. You can purchase them online.
8.) Fly Masks and Mesh Leg Coverings: Protect your horse’s face and lower legs with these.
9.) Fly Sheets: These are especially helpful for older horses and those with compromised immune systems (whom flies seem to be even more attracted to).
10.) Moisture control: flies also love to lay eggs in moist areas. By cleaning up wet stall bedding and grass clippings from mowing, this will help prevent them from laying eggs in those areas. It’s also a good idea to fill in holes or low spots where water tends to collect in your pasture.
11.) Fly Die Insect Control: By sprinkling this product onto manure or other areas in the barn or pasture where flies tend to congregate, you can eliminate hatching larvae and egg-laying adult flies. You can also spray FlyDie anywhere flies gather and eliminate them once and for all.
12.) Let Your Horse Be Dirty! Resist the urge to brush your horse every time he gets a nice layer of mud or dirt on his back. This is natural fly protection!
13.) Chickens: Consider keeping a flock free-ranging hens or guineas. They love to feast on flies and their larvae!