The flies the limit!

The sun may have started shining (well for an hour or two, last Tuesday) and for horse owners this means dry stables and great riding, but it does however mean that it is peak fly season.

As the weather warms up so flies and midges start to become a real issue. These are not only annoying for horses; but they can cause very real problems. Biting flies, horse flies, feeding midges, you name it; horses are being nibbled by it.

Apart from being obvious nuisances, flies carry diseases and trigger allergic responses through their secretions. Biting flies pierce the skin and transmit toxins, sending the immune system into overdrive. One debilitating condition, Sweet Itch, is caused by the saliva of the Culicoides midge. In some horses, the protein components present in midge saliva trigger the over-production of histamine, resulting in inflamed and itchy skin that is easily broken.

Even more unpleasantly, flies tend to congregate around the horse’s eyes, nose and mouth which causes near enough constant aggravation. These areas are particularly sensitive and next to impossible to scratch. If flies are not kept away, their secretions can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin and are capable of contaminating feed.

How can I help?

Preventing flies is extremely difficult once horses are put out to graze over the summer months, there are some steps you can take to reduce their impact.

• Repellents may be effective. Products we stock include Cooper’s Fly Repellent, Deosect and Summer Fly Cream. Citronella oil can also be used to help reduce flies, along with natural remedies such as lemongrass, peppermint and eucalyptus oils.
• Fly rugs also provide excellent barrier protection against flies and midges. These include ones that include hoods which are particularly useful as they cover key vulnerable areas such as the neck, head and ears.
• Screening and Fans – stables and tack rooms can be screened to help stop flies. For instance this could include the use of mesh or sticky paper across stable doors and the use of fans pointing down to provide good air circulation.
• Don’t leave your horse grazing outside during peak periods – flies and midges are most active at dusk and dawn and keeping horses in at this time can help to minimise their effect.

But most importantly keep an eye for fly and midge problems, and if you think they're getting your horse down take action.

Now here at Pet Drugs Online we really do like summer. Even if the first few posts are about the hassles and dangers of sunny days and hot weather. Just be careful out there. And take a coat. Maybe an umbrella...