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True, the buzz of a single fly around your horse's ears may be nothing more than a constant annoyance. However, the stress of a few persistent stable flies could be all it takes for your horse to lose her appetite, which could lead to weight loss, colic, or worse. Even more serious, some insects transmit potentially life-threatening diseases, such as West Nile Virus, encephalitis, or Lyme disease. But by understanding how certain bugs can affect your horse, you can better rid and repel them from your barn and home. |
Insects defined
Many of the insects common around your horse are considered ectoparasites. That is, they are organisms that live on and receive some nourishment from your horse. This includes ticks, lice, mosquitoes, and fly larvae. However, each type of insect can affect your horse in different ways. The chart below details the effect each type of insect has on your horse. It also outlines the products available to easily help control each insect species.
| Insect |
Effects |
Control Products |
Flies
(Horse, horn, stable, face, etc) |
Some are vicious biters and the bites can become infected. They may also transmit the fungus that causes rain gall. Stable flies can transmit equine infectious anemia. Botfly larvae can become parasitic in the stomach. Screwworm (fly larvae) can enter the skin and cause severe tissue destruction. |
Metered Mosquito & Fly Sprays,
Endure Repellents,
Mosquito Halt,
Repel-X,
Flysect Super 7,
Bite Free,
EquiSect,
Nature's Defense,
Tri-Tec 14,
Wipe Repellents,
Swat Fly Ointment,
Fly Rid Spot-On,
Equi-Spot,
Roll-On Fly Repellent,
SimpliFly |
| Ticks |
Can spread Lyme disease, piroplasmosis, babesiosis, or other diseases. Severe tick infestations can cause anemia. |
Endure Repellents,
Repel-X,
Flysect Super 7,
Bite Free,
Tri-Tec 14,
|
| Mosquitoes |
Can spread West Nile Virus, Western, Eastern, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis. Severe mosquito attacks can cause anemia. |
Metered Mosquito & Fly Sprays,
Endure Repellents,
Mosquito Halt,
Repel-X,
Flysect Super 7,
Bite Free,
EquiSect,
Nature's Defense,
Tri-Tec 14,
Wipe Repellents,
Swat Fly Ointment,
Fly Rid Spot-On,
Roll-On Fly Repellent |
| Gnats |
Can transmit the parasite that causes summer itch. Bites often cause skin allergies. |
Metered Mosquito & Fly Sprays,
Endure Repellents,
Mosquito Halt,
Repel-X,
Flysect Super 7,
Bite Free,
EquiSect,
Nature's Defense,
Tri-Tec 14,
Wipe Repellents,
Swat Fly Ointment,
Fly Rid Spot-On,
Roll-On Fly Repellent |
Midges
(no-see-ums) |
Severe infestations can cause hair loss. May also lead to secondary bacterial infections. |
Metered Mosquito & Fly Sprays,
Endure Repellents,
Mosquito Halt,
Repel-X,
Flysect Super 7,
Bite Free,
EquiSect,
Nature's Defense,
Tri-Tec 14,
Wipe Repellents,
Swat Fly Ointment,
Fly Rid Spot-On,
Roll-On Fly Repellent |
| Lice |
Itching. Severe infestations can cause hair loss or lead to anemia. |
Endure Repellents,
Flysect Super 7,
EquiSect,
Tri-Tec 14 |
Mites
(mange) |
Itching. Severe infestations may cause the skin to slough. |
Endure Repellents,
Flysect Super 7,
Tri-Tec 14 |
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PRODUCTS RELATED TO:
Fly & Insect Control
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