Flies - Horse Forums - Horse Forum Topics & Answers - Horse Training & Trainers

*IdahoSpud* · 03-06-2007,

Okay 2 warm days and we have a hatch. Has anyone used those parasitic wasps to control flies? It seems to be the way to go if you can't use natural sprays or afford the expensive barn systems like me.

I know of a friend who uses a homemade forumla of herbs I contacted him to tell me the formula so I can share but you know how friends are when you want something back in return for letting them use your trailer to move!

Oh well let me know any input from those wasps.

*FancyHorse* · 03-06-2007,

Ok, I found something that is super cheap and WORKS. You can buy it at any store. You buy the "OFF" fly and mosqueto spray that comes in the bottled pump, not the can it costs around $4.00. Its about 8oz I think. You put that into a 24oz empty spray bottle and just fill the rest with water. Just try not to spray on the face, use or hand or a cloth to wipe it on. It works just as good if not better then the stuff you buy for like $15 a pop! I tried it last summer and had great results!!!

*Terri_R* · 05-30-2007,

Quote:

Originally Posted by FancyHorse

Ok, I found something that is super cheap and WORKS. You can buy it at any store. You buy the "OFF" fly and mosqueto spray that comes in the bottled pump, not the can it costs around $4.00. Its about 8oz I think. You put that into a 24oz empty spray bottle and just fill the rest with water. Just try not to spray on the face, use or hand or a cloth to wipe it on. It works just as good if not better then the stuff you buy for like $15 a pop! I tried it last summer and had great results!!!

And this is ok to use on horses? Wonder if it would work to spray in and around the barn?

*FancyHorse* · 05-30-2007,

Terri -

The stuff is made for people, so I am guessing it is more then okay for the horses. I have tested it on my two guys and it works great and smells good. For the face, I just rub in on instead of spray it on!

*P8ntCrazy* · 05-30-2007,

The wasps do work, My friend uses them in their barn and say they work great. They just got their first shipment of the summer. You can use OFF on your horses. IF it is safe for people it is safe for horses. When we ride in the evenings here (since it is soooo hot during the day) I spray my horse with one of the human bug/mosquito repellents. It works great, I don't dilute it I just spray it on me and then on them to keep mainly the mosquitos away and it helps with the flies.

Here is a interesting bit of trivia that the people from Fort Dodge (Maker of West Nile Vaccine) told us at our last seminar. During mosquito season a horse on average gets bit at least 2000 times an hour. Yes, 2000 times an hour.

I go through a couple bottles a week of whatever mosquito repllent (for people) that is on sale. Make sure though you get one that has DEET, this will repell the mosquitos that carry West nile. I have also found that the human stuff does not irritate the skin as bad and the stuff made for horses. Every couple of days no matter what you use, you need to make sure you at least rinse your horse off if not bathe them.

Another great product to use is EQ Solutions body wash. The product is all natural and fights for surface space with the dirt, pushing the dirt away from the horses body. Since you have a cleaner horse you also will have less flys, since they wont have all the dirt and grim to feed on. I also use this product to rinse my horses after every ride and every few days just to help keep them clean. It works great on the dogs too, and is safe to use on all animals.

*IdahoSpud* · 05-30-2007,

Yes and if anyone could keep the nat swarms from getting getting so stinking close to your head! How do they find you anyway? And how far do they come from. I know I don't ride the same route day after day.

I think I will market some Nat repellent. 20 Foot radius... 9.95 .. wait but that's not all.

Just kidding. Thanks for all the advice.