Bot fly eggs - first ones yesterday.

[kerilli]

It's that time again, brought mare in yesterday with lots on her legs. She's so sensitive that she was getting absolutely hysterical about me pinching them off with my nails (i've always done this, and did the youngsters yesterday while they were loose in the field without a headcollar on, they didn't mind it at all!) The mare got so ridiculous about it (nearly collapsed on me twice when i held up a foreleg and tried taking them off the inside of her other knee!) that eventually i had to twitch her and clip them off. unbelievable.
so, do bot knifes work? never had to bother with one before, but this is ridiculous. thanks!

 

[CrazyMare]

I find the grooming blocks more effective, YO's wife has been using a bot knife on her stallion though, seems to be getting them off well.

 

[lucym]

i hate bots, we had our first ones about a week ago
i used to use a knife, but they are sharp, and i did nick a horse once, if your mare is sensitive i wouldnt have thought she would tolerate a knife
i have gone back to picking them off by hand
not much help really...sorry

 

[Perissa]

I've found covering the legs in a good silicon based coat shine spray (I use Absorbine) makes removing them MUCH easier.

 

[kerilli]

ah, that's a great idea, thanks Perissa, why didn't i think of that!? brilliant!

 

[SunshineTallulah]

Oooh I love Absorbine too.

Is it an idea to spray the legs daily as a preventative measure or after?

I've not seen any bot eggs yet - but I will keep checking.

 

[Acolyte]

Saw the first ones on the horse I ride last Friday... I always use a grooming block to remove them, I cant seem to get on with bot knives

 

[ISHmad]

First ones found on one of ours today.