Five Ways To Get Ahead of Fly Season This Year

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Keeping our mustangs and burros comfortable during bug season has always been a priority. Last summer, we added a few new tools to our bug-control routine that worked well, and we’re excited to start using them much earlier this year. 💪

Mustang wearing a horse fly mask during fly season.

First, it’s important to identify the enemy. 🔍 Different regions are affected by different biting insects. Some horse owners primarily battle flies, while we're at war with biting gnats. That’s changed how we approach bug management - fly masks and even bug spray can be nearly useless when the gnats get bad. Instead, we focus more on bug-repelling supplements that make our equines a little less tasty to them. 🤢

Here Are Five Ways We’re Managing Flies and Biting Insects for Our Equines This Year:

  1. Bug-Off Supplement from Springtime Supplements: This garlic supplement has been very effective for us. Garlic has been used for centuries to help deter insects. It’s long-lasting, easy to feed, supports the immune system, and promotes beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, offering multiple benefits.

  2. DWA from Fir Meadow LLC: This herbal dewormer also helps ward off biting insects. While highly effective, it’s extremely safe to use and can be given to multiple species.

  3. Bug Spray from Green Horse Organics: Effective and chemical-free. After several years of using this brand, we believe it’s the best fly spray for horses! It also includes essential oils that support a healthy coat and a happy horse.

  4. Fly Traps: For the flies that do find their way here, we use fly ribbon, pre-loaded bait traps, and bug zappers. If you use bug zappers, only run them after dark to avoid harming honey bees, which return to their hives at night.

  5. Fly Masks: We use them occasionally, but if gnats get under the mask, it can cause even more irritation. It helps to apply bug spray to your horse's face and the mask before putting it on.

Bonus Tip: Use a Bug-A-Salt gun on those giant horse flies. 😎

Are feed-through fly control supplements safe?
Cloud sneaking extras from Alamo's feed, loaded with supplements (including DWA & Bug-Off!)

While supplements, sprays, and traps make a difference, maintaining a clean, dry environment is still a game-changer with bug control. Remove manure regularly and eliminate mud or standing water in your equine's pasture or paddock.

If you have any tried-and-true bug management methods, we’d love to hear them! Drop them in the comments below!

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