How to get rid of crab flies?

[Parkranger]

We seem to have a few of our horses at the yard effected by crab flies - we're not that near to the forest so not sure how we've got them but any ideas on how to get rid of them?

Moo has had a few on her and is rubbing her tail quite a bit but one of the mares is really suffering poor thing.....any ideas gratefully received!

 

[PennyJ]

You have to squash them between your fingers until you hear them go pop.... There is no other way.

 

[Bert&Maud]

I'm glad I'm not the only one .... we've never had them before but my poor boy is really suffering this year.

 

[Parkranger]

Bump for more replies!

I've heard of people putting poultry or cow insecticide on their horses but I'm worried about all her hair falling out!

Someone else said get spot on.....but I don't know if they mean the dog one.

 

[sonjafoers]

Nothing topical gets rid of them, we get them every year & have tried every recommendation under the sun. The only thing to do is pick them off and squash them - they are very difficult to kill so you really need to 'pop' them unfortunately!

 

[kellyeaton]

squash the little buggers!