Fly bites

[Alana25]

Hey hey!

We recently bought a Welsh B pony - everything's going great but she's getting bitten to death in the field.

I've tried NAF Off Citronella and NAF Extra Effect but no luck. I'm bathing her bites with Hibiscrub which takes them down.

I've bought her a fly rug to use when she's in the main field (10 mins away from yard) as this is where she gets the most bites but I'd like to leave her unrugged when she is in her small paddock (near our yard) and use a spray (I don't like the idea of having her rugged all the while)

Could anyone recommend a really effective fly spray?

Thank you

 

[hopscotch bandit]

I use Power Phazer and although it really smells strong, it seems to deter them of my horse (and off me as I get caught in the spray too!) I 've found its the best thing, I've tried a few over the years. I also buy fly bands which are similar to these. Tehy are only £1 each from Poundland I think it is. I fix them to my horses fly rug and headcollar.

https://www.caraselledirect.com/_/c...9118&utm_content=Pest%20Control%20%26%20Moths

 

[Shay]

Power Phazer contains DEET. You need to be sure you understand the implications of using that both on you and the horse. It does work. But it is a massively toxic chemical - and many humans, and horses, react badly to it. If you are of childbearing age or planning pregnancy you need to be particularly careful. It is also a significant environmental pollutant so don't use near water.

No fly spray is universally effective. You need to know what species you are dealing with. Some hunt by scent and can be confused by scent based repellents like citronella. Other hunt by sight and only a visual deterrent will work. Midges seem to be particularly location specific and some recommendations from a local board might do better.

 

[oldie48]

I use fly rugs 24/7 throughtout the spring/summer, however I have two different ones and I use one in the day and the other at night in the stable so at least if they do rub it's hopefully not in the same place. I've tried giving him time out without a rug but he gets bitten, runs around like a lunatic and then rubs himself raw in the stable.