At Soulful Equine, we believe in non-toxic approaches to most anything we do when it comes to our horses, pets and our health. As I stated in my article “Parasite Resistance In Horses And Chemical Deworming”, we must pay attention to anything that could compromise our horse’s immune system.
Heavy usage of toxic chemicals for fly control is not only unnecessary but is harmful to your horse’s health and to yours. It also contributes to the environmental issues of using chemicals.
I believe that whenever it is within our control to use or not use chemicals, we should not use them. Keep in mind that we encounter large numbers of toxins in our environment just by breathing and being alive. However, anytime we have the opportunity to minimize the effect it has on us and our horses we should take that responsibility seriously.
I put together a short video on fly control for horses using a non-toxic program. Please listen to the entire video even if you already have a program in place. You never know, you may pick up a few extra tips.
If you have any other non-toxic fly control tips or products you have used, please share that information in our comments section.
Fly control for horses using a non-toxic program
Minor correction to note from the video that has to do with the
fly predators / parasite cycle:
- Fly Predators / parasites are beneficial insects. They are pupal parasitoids, meaning they attack the pest fly’s pupa stage. The pupa stage is the cocoon that houses the pest fly during its metamorphosis from larva to full-sized adult. Please see the resources section for references to more details about the fly predator / parasite cycle
Until next time!
Non-traditionally yours,
Stephanie Krahl
Resources For More Information
Fly Predator / Parasite Information
- The Source Ecological Fly Control – This is the company I have used for many years. I have been very happy with the results and the customer service I have received is superb. Their mix of fly parasites is trademarked “FlyRaptors“. This is a really fantastic name and has a meaning behind it. A raptor is a very efficient bird of prey and the symbol for freedom. The most well known is the eagle. If you put “fly” and “raptor” together you have freedom from flies.
- The Source Ecological Fly Control – How To
- Organic Cowboy Biological Fly Control Program – If you purchase from them, please let them know we referred you.
- Spalding Laboratories Main Website
- Spalding Laboratories Quick Fly Control Instructions
- ARBICO’s Organics Fly Parasites Biological Fly Control Program
Fly Traps (Both Sticky and Attractants)
- ARBICO’s Organics Insect-A-Peel Trap – This is a fantastic product! You purchase the stand with the peel once and then replace the peel roll when needed.
- Monster Flytraps – This is the best fly trap I have found yet and I have tried a lot of different kinds. Keep in mind that you should place the traps “away” from where you want the flies. Most people place them where they see the most flies, which is not correct. You want to do the opposite. You want to “attract” the flies away from places you do not want them.
Fly Sprays
Note: This section may be updated if I test out other fly sprays and find that I like them.
If at all possible use fly sprays that are approved for use on certified organic farms. I look for fly sprays that are non-toxic, effective, and do not leave a greasy residue. I have tested many different “natural” fly sprays and still go back to the ones listed below.
I will continue to test others I come across and keep you updated. Some people make their own fly spray and you can do that as well if you find something that works for you. A few I have used and like that do not leave a greasy residue are as follows:
- Premier Marigold Spray – by Eqyss Grooming Products
- Xtream Shield Fly Spray by Xtreme Design Labs
- Equisect Fly Repellent – It is the only ready-to-use equine fly spray listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as complying with the USDA National Organic Program’s standards
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About Stephanie Krahl
Hi, Stephanie. Found you on Dave’s Mona Lisa project!
Love your review, here; thanks for all the info. My mare will NOT stand still for the sprays but my gelding knows they help so asks for them. That said, I use the marigold spray for him only sparingly in the most critical places, just as a supplement. I’ve tried fly predators but find them costly, especially since I’ve had limited success. The bagged fly traps work wonders but don’t seem to deter the tiny gnat-like bugs from mauling the tender flesh of inner ears. And I’ve tried the natural feed-throughs, too, also with minor success.
But this year I’m trying something different and have been SO pleased with the results! Have you tried adding raw garlic to your horses’ diets? About a tablespoon morning and evening sprinkled on their alfalfa seems to do the trick. I backed it off to once/day and immediately saw bites, so resumed the 2x regimen. Costco carries large jars for pittance. Though the horses balked at first, they’re settling into the flavor. We had a particularly heavy rainy winter season so the insect population is enormous. Even so, I’m keeping them at bay.
If you know any detriments to this, I’d certainly appreciate hearing, but in my searches I didn’t find anything saying this would be harmful in any way.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for stopping by. Dave’s Mona Lisa project is fantastic! I’m glad you found us through him.
I apologize for taking a little bit to get back with you. I decided to address your question about feeding Garlic to horses in one of our articles. You can find it here: Garlic For Horses – A Natural Repellent?
Proper usage of fly predators can be tricky and their benefits may not be optimal. I’ve used fly predators consistently and at two different locations for the last 10 years and have had great results but it does take a combination of methods to get complete control.
If you can help deter horse pests from the inside out, that is ideal, but I have found that a combination program works best.
I hope you enjoy the Garlic article.
Thanks so much!
Hi Julie,
I pasture board my mare so it is hard for me to put a real program into place. Would it be still beneficial to hang one or several fly traps to a tree? Thanks.
Hi Sonia,
Thank you for stopping by Soulful Equine. Being in a boarding situation can be a challenge when trying to put a good fly control program in place. I was in a similar situation when I kept my horses on our family farm. It was a big challenge with all the cows around but I was still able to significantly decrease the fly population.
It would help to hang fly traps in areas where flies are more likely to hatch out such as around the manure pile. At my place, my neighbor keeps some of his cows in a pasture across the road right in front of my house. My barn faces that way, which is west. I notice that most of the flies are worst right in front of my barn. That is one area I usually place fly traps.
The important thing is to notice where the flies are coming from and hang a trap in that area as long as it is away from where you want the flies. Be sure to also keep traps out of the reach of any curious horses.
Another idea is to see if you can get your barn manager on board with a preventative program. It may seem impossible but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
I hope that helps.