After a long, cold winter and a wet, blustery spring, riding in summer can feel like a well-earned vacation until someone gets bit by a horse fly. Then, there are the relentless swarms of annoying insects that congregate around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Biting black and deer flies cause stomping, risking damaged hooves. Flies are known to carry nearly 2 million different types of bacteria and are attracted to open wounds and mucous membranes, as well as your lunch.
Keeping the barn clean and dry is the first step in fly management. Beyond that, there are several methods that can minimize the number of flies and mosquitoes this summer. Small flocks of chickens or guinea hens can consume an amazing number of insects. Parasitic wasps are a formidable weapon and they do not sting people. Old fashioned fly strips are also effective - just don't get caught in one yourself!
Horse Clothing Provides Protection
Just as clothing protects us from biting and annoying insects, horse clothing protects our equine friends. Ear nets, fly sheets, and lightweight blankets are commonly used to provide good protection. Some of today's horse clothing features natural insect repellant and even UV protection. Ear nets are extremely popular ways of keeping annoying insects out of equine ears. Fly sheets are very lightweight, which is great for hot weather. However, they tend to be less rugged than winter horse clothing, so riders may wish to invest in more than one, just in case.
Leg wraps, turnout blankets, hoods, and neck covers will keep off the insects, but the heat can quickly become unbearable. Dress sheets, coolers, and turnout sheets are other types of protective clothing you can use to keep the flies and other insects off without causing overheating.
Check Out The Tack
Horse riding equipment is always vulnerable to mold, rot, drying, and cracking. It can also act as a breeding ground for small insects. Taking it home regularly and out of the barn environment allows you to clean it thoroughly in a more comfortable setting. It also allows for greater air flow in the tack room. Winter horse riding equipment should be brought home in the spring, cleaned and oiled, and checked for damage before being stored. This allows riders to take advantage of off-season sales to replace needed items at a lower price. It also maintains the horse riding equipment in a more protected environment while not in use.
Know What You're Up Against
Flies come in many varieties, and they prefer different habitats. House flies prefer shady areas and indoor areas, so they are likely to be found in the stall, tack room, feed room, and shade shelters. They are attracted to moisture such as is found around the eyes and open wounds. Keeping wounds clean and covered is crucial during fly season. Biting flies prefer the open sunshine, and they will attack the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. The female must eat a blood meal as part of her reproductive process, which is where the painful bites come in.
Providing animals with the freedom to move in and out of shaded areas during the summer months is an excellent way to help them help themselves in the fight against flies and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes, which are actually members of the fly family, are attracted to moisture, movement, and dark colors. A light-colored fly sheet can go a long way to prevent mosquito bites. Riders can use the same technique to reduce the likelihood of getting bit themselves.
Fly repellant supplements, fly sprays, and cream products developed for use around the eyes, ears, legs, and underbelly can all help reduce the torment experienced each summer. It is also important to worm against botfly each fall, as these can change from external annoyances to internal parasites. Using horse clothing treated with insect repellants, engaging in proper grooming, and cleaning horse riding equipment, along with keeping the barn area clean and dry, will all go a long way toward minimizing the discomfort, annoyance, and potential harm that comes from flies.
Prevention is always the best medicine when it comes to insect infestations of any kind. Standing water, uncovered garbage, and underrated manure are all breeding grounds for many types of insects. Keeping things neat and dry should always be your first effort in any insect management program. Protecting our equine friends from painful bites, potentially risky behaviors, and hours of misery make these efforts worthwhile.
Anne Coyle is a writer for The Equestrian Corner. They provide high quality horse clothing and horse riding equipment that will help you protect your horse against annoying flies, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Coyle
