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.

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!

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.