Fly Frustration. Painful Bites, Most Often on a Horse’S Legs but Also on the Belly, Face and Neck

Proud Fly Spray Sponsor of E Q U U S KENTUCKY HORSE PARK A d v a n t a g e special advertising section equus the end of your • Stable flies look like houseflies, but they inflict fly frustration. painful bites, most often on a horse’s legs but also on the belly, face and neck. They can From stomping feet and swishing tails PROTECTION RUNS IN THE FAMILY be found around livestock to running, kicking out, and losing Beyond UltraShield® EX, eco-safe practically anywhere in the focus under saddle, nothing ruins UltraShield® Green repels and country, but they will reach your ride or your horse’s ability to controls biting fl ies, mosquitoes, their peak in warmer climates, especially in hotter, wetter relax like the incessant torment of gnats, and ticks, using seven weather. Stable flies prefer insects—with even worse potential essential oils known for their bright, sunny areas and tend consequences should those pests repellent qualities. UltraShield® not to enter dark enclosures. carry disease. Fortunately, Red contains a combination of fi ve • Horseflies and deer ® active ingredients for e ective 24/7 flies inflict painful bites that UltraShield gives you proven bleed. Deer flies tend to at- protection that’s powerful fl y and mosquito protection. And tack the head and neck. ammunition in the battle against UltraShield® Sport is a great choice Smaller horseflies bite on ticks, fl ies, and other insects. for sweat-resistant protection in hot, the legs, and the larger ones humid conditions. feed on the horse’s back. FORMULAS FOR ALL CONDITIONS These types of flies lay their RAISING THE BAR AGAIN ® Fly eggs in moist soil or vegeta- The UltraShield line of products We also o er UltraShield® Fly Masks, tion near ponds, marshes and has you covered with options including a new horse-size option with a other bodies of water and are for fi ghting fl y frustration removable nose for extended coverage and most commonly found in or control depending on weather, insect within a few miles of forests full-face protection. Plus, all our fl y masks or wetlands. However, some intensity, and your horse’s activity level. o er high-tech performance fabrics to keep your tips may travel as far as 30 miles Horse owners have trusted the consistent horse protected as well as cool, dry, and comfortable. in search of blood meals. performance of UltraShield® fl y control for decades. That Of course, UltraShield® is just one of the Absorbine® t’s springtime again, and with it comes warm Horsefly and deer fly species prefer bright sun- Here’s includes UltraShield® EX in the famous black bottle, proven brands that horse owners have come to a quick weather, sunshine, flowers—and flies. We’ve light on hot, still days. Iall been fighting these winged pests for years • Houseflies do not bite, but they congregate to kill and repel biting and nuisance fl ies, mosquitoes, ticks, trust. So when you’re looking for the best rundown of and know what to do. But climate conditions near open wounds and secretions, such as tears and gnats—all in a weatherproof formula versatile enough to in horse care, look for the yellow ribbon. the ways vary every season, and different fly species or mucus. They breed in moist, decaying veg- be used on horses, dogs, and as a premise spray. can move into new areas with the changing etable matter, including garbage, hay and grass you can weather. Sometimes reaching for the same old clippings as well as manure. Houseflies prefer curb the fly spray just isn’t good enough. dark, interior spaces. Reviewing your fly control strategies every • Black flies inflict painful bites, usually on insects that year is a good idea. Here’s a brief overview of sparsely haired areas, such as the ears and geni- pester your the species that might be out there and what tals. Although they can be found as far south as horse. you can do to protect your horses from them. Florida, black flies are notorious pests up north. They are most abundant in forested areas with Fly species, habits and habitats slow-moving waterways, such as streams, lakes The first step in stopping flies is to identify or canals, in which they lay their eggs. They feed the offenders—many look very similar, but often primarily on bright, sunny days and prefer not to the different pest species can be identified by fly into dark enclosures. their unique behaviors and habitats. And they • Horn flies tend to congregate on the are best controlled by strategies that target horse’s belly, where single flies may bite multiple their lifestyles. Here are the flies most likely to times before flying off. On cooler days, they may

be bothering your horses: also feed on the neck, shoulders and back. Horn bob langrish

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WF YOUNG 2_EQUP_0617.indd 1 2/13/18 10:37 AM E Q U U S A d v a n t a g e special advertising section

Housefly Deer fly Horsefly Stable fly Black fly Stop flies flies are normally found near cattle, and they lay repellents, applied directly to the horse. Fly their eggs only in fresh cow manure, but they will sprays are common, and many brands are avail- before they start. affect horses in shared or adjoining pastures. able, but most contain active ingredients that fall • Face flies do not bite, but they congregate into two categories. on the face to feed on saliva, tears and mucus. • Insecticidal/repellent sprays usually Face flies prefer cattle and breed only in cow contain pyrethrin, a natural compound derived manure, but they will also land on horses pas- from a type of chrysanthemum, or a pyrethroid, tured within a quarter mile. They are most usually permethrin, a similar synthetic compound. active in the spring and summer but not in These formulations deter flies from landing and hot, dry weather. kill the ones that do bite. These work against • Culicoides (biting midges, biting gnats, many smaller biting flies, including mosquitoes, no-see-ums) attack different parts of the horse, houseflies, stable flies, deer flies and gnats. depending on the species, but the more com- Repellents, which are often marketed as “all mon ones tend to bite at the tailhead, ears, natural” alternatives to the insecticides, contain mane, withers and rump; others go for the belly. strong-smelling oils, such as citronella, cedar

Although the individual flies are tiny, they form or tea tree. They do not kill flies but instead table fly, black fly: wikipedia; deer fly, horse fly: dusty perin S dense swarms that inflict many bites at once. discourage them from landing by masking These flies breed in wet places, such as slow, still the odor of the horse. Both insecticides and o u s e f ly, Insecticides streams, marshes and rotting vegetation, and are repellents are available in lotions, gels, roll- H and repellents most active just after sunset. ons and wet wipes as well as sprays; these • Mosquitoes will bite anywhere on the body. are useful for applications around the face are available sted by g Most abundant in warm, wet weather, mosquitoes as well as touchups along the trail, but they l.Tru ener tro atio on ns C o ly f h breed in stagnant water, and their populations are best used as complements to the sprays, F o in lotions, r ru FARNAM’Ss h e

-T o d w spike near marshes, ponds and any chronically rather than replacements. e n Fly control from the inside out. e e F r N gels, roll- , s . s S k s O p wet ground, especially after flooding. Smaller • Spot-applied permethrin products are a r

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, t s m t n dawn or dusk. like fly collars and leg bands—which, not unlike How it works: e flea collars for dogs, are worn on the horse’s Reduce, repel and eliminate body and deter flies from landing nearby. 1 Horse eats SimpliFly® with LarvaStop™ in regular feed. Chemical controls include insecticides and Horse clothing can also physically block flies 2 Feed is digested normally. from landing on the horse. • Fly sheets are lightweight coverings for 3 LarvaStop™ Fly Growth Regulator is excreted in manure the horse’s torso, and many come with extra where it stops the development of fly larvae. Fly appendages, to extend coverage over the tail, Repellent belly and neck, where culicoides tend to attack. Light-colored fly sheets provide an extra deter- Visit farnam.com to learn more. rent to horse- and deer flies, which track victims by sight and are attracted to large, dark objects. Also available are quarter sheets, which cover a horse’s rump and flanks while under saddle. • Fly boots, mesh coverings for the lower legs, can guard against stable flies and other Fly Sheet insects that alight there. far left: clix photography; left: arnd bronkhorst Your Partner in Horse Care™

FARNAM SIMPLIFY_EQUP_0418.indd 1 2/12/18 2:29 PM E Q U U S A d v a n t a g e special advertising section

• Fly masks are see-through mesh shields large black ball is sometimes used to lure them that cover the eyes to ward off face flies and into a chamber they can’t escape. Fly sticks and houseflies attracted to tears; some come with tapes lure house- and stable flies onto sticky sur- ear nets, coverings for the ears, which are useful faces that entrap them. if black flies are a nuisance. Others come with • Bug zappers are blue-light devices that elec- fringed extensions that fall down over the nos- trocute flies drawn into an electric grid; two draw- trils to deter flies from landing there. In addition, backs are that they must be placed where they dusty perin some fly masks are designed for use with bridles cannot be knocked down by animals, and they to protect the face while riding. can also attract and kill beneficial insects. • Ear nets, designed for use with a bridle, are crocheted cotton coverings that keep flies Close the breeding grounds off of the ears and poll; many of these have a • Remove manure from stalls and paddocks tasseled front edge that lies above the eyes for daily. Stable and housefly eggs, which are laid in further deterrence. manure, hatch after 10 to 21 days, so an ideal • Out in the pasture, make sure the control practice would be to get the manure off horses have well-shaded run-in sheds they the property each week. can escape into to dodge flies that like sunlight. • Release beneficial predators. These tiny For extra protection, hang long panels of burlap wasps or nematodes can be purchased from farm or netting over the doorway, impregnated with fly and garden suppliers. When sprinkled on manure or other breeding areas, they hatch and parasitize Fly Mask spray. These will brush off and repel any flies already on the horse as he pushes his way through immature flies to reduce the number that reach the doorway—just make sure you train the horse adulthood. Feed-through fly control products, that he can get through what might look like an added to each horse’s feed, pass harmlessly impenetrable barrier. In addition, stabling horses through his system but then kill any insect larvae during flies’ peak periods of activity may also hatched in the manure. help—turn them out at night if daylight fliers, like • Compost manure. This process generates Compost black flies, are prevalent. Horses sensitive to culi- enough heat to kill any eggs. coides do better if stabled at night. • Spread manure over fields. Just make sure manure. the layer is thin enough that it dries quickly in This process Leave them no place to go the sun. Avoid spreading manure in pastures generates • Inside the barn, automatic misting systems where horses are actively grazing, and keep it release fine sprays at regular intervals from away from muddy, high-traffic areas that tend to enough heat nozzles in the ceiling. remain wet. to kill any • Fans placed strategically to keep the air • Remove wet bedding as diligently as eggs. moving in the aisles and stalls can also deter you do the manure. Stable flies are highly WORKS ON flies: Smaller insects like attracted to the smell of horse urine. It also REPELS KILLS MORE THAN houseflies and gnats prefer helps to spread hydrated lime, also called JUST FLIES to fly in still air, and the “slack lime” or agricultural lime, on wet spots breeze also disperses the on stall floors. carbon dioxide a horse • Eliminate stagnant water where flies breed. exhales, which can attract Fill in potholes, clean clogged gutters, repair Protect Your Horse. Unleash the Force. some flies. leaking plumbing and pick up unused items, • Very fine, well-sealed such as flowerpots, old tires and toys, that can When it comes to protecting your horse, it’s a never-ending war against flies and pests. ® screens in the windows collect rain. Rinse and refill water buckets each Give yourself a leg up against even the nastiest offenders with Pro-Force Fly Spray, will keep out mosquitoes day, and remove fallen leaves and other debris specially formulated to kill, repel, and knockdown bugs. With Pro-Force, you have and gnats. from troughs. the power to fend off over 70 species of pests — including ticks, biting flies, stable • A variety of traps are flies and no-see-ums. Pro-Force (R) Fly Spray also kills fleas and ticks on dogs, available, baited with food, ontrolling flies around the farm may seem and is available in a 32 oz spray and gallon size. pheromones or other at- Clike a Sisyphean task—no matter how much It’s time to kiss your fly problem goodbye. tractants designed to ap- you do, there will always be more. But keeping up peal to different types of with the basic chores will go a long way toward flies. House- and stable reducing their numbers. Your horses will thank flies are attracted to scent you for it. lures, such as sugar or manure. Horseflies are at- The article was originally published in EQUUS

tracted to dark colors, so a 393, June 2010. clix photography

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MANNA PRO 4_EQUP_0418.indd 1 2/15/18 11:52 AM E Q U U S A d v a n t a g e special advertising section

Pest control is essential for the health and well-being of your FLIES ARE COMING Fly Away! horse. Here are products designed to keep those bugs at bay.

Spalding Fly Predators® UltraShield® EX Farnam SimpliFly® Feed-Thru Fly ARE YOU READY FOR THE FIGHT? To avoid the swishing, stomping, spraying, UltraShield® EX delivers Control with LarvaStop™ swatting, fly-mask days of summer, now is proven fly control Get a jumpstart on fly control. Start the time to schedule your Fly Predators®. that horse owners your horse on SimpliFly® in early spring, The biological fly control that’s safe, effective have counted on for continuing through summer until cold and easy to use, they are the natural enemy decades. Our advanced, weather restricts fly activity. Break the of flies but never bother people or animals. weatherproof and life cycle by preventing flies’ maturation Many customers say they hardly see a fly sweat-resistant formula into adults. SimpliFly® prevents the all season. Every three to four weeks, just was designed for long- development of house and stable flies sprinkle Fly Predators® near all manure lasting protection in in manure when horses are continually areas. In a few minutes, you’ve done your fly the most challenging treated. It is highly palatable (just control for the month. For one to five horses, conditions. Known as add it to your horse’s feed); contains it’s $21.95 every three to four weeks. Larger “the fly spray in no organophosphates; contains sizes available. spalding-labs.com/y8mnz; the black bottle,” Diflubenzuron; and is the only equine 866-227-5517 UltraShield® EX feed-through fly kills and repels more than 70 species of control granted insects, including biting and nuisance flies, reduced-risk mosquitoes, ticks and gnats. Its water-based pesticide status by formula contains multiple sunscreens and the EPA. Available coat conditioners, including aloe and lanolin, in 3.75 lb., 10 lb., without the petroleum distillates found in 20 lb. and 50 lb. other fly sprays. UltraShield® EX can also be sizes. Farnam.com used on dogs and as a premise spray around the barn. www.absorbine.com

Buggzo Farnam® Grand Champion™ UltraShield® Fly Mask HorseTech’s Buggzo is the original garlic- Fly Repellent UltraShield® Fly Masks are the new and-vinegar pellet that’s been a bestseller A two-in-one product, Farnam® Grand standard for protection and comfort, with for many years. We have combined garlic Champion™ Fly Repellent kills and repels unique fabrics and design features that not and apple cider vinegar in a tasty, pelleted flies, mosquitoes and only protect horses from insects and the product that is easy to feed without gnats while adding a damaging effects of the sun, but keep them the mess of liquids or powders. With a lustrous, show-ring shine. cool, dry and comfortable. The masks are convenient 1-to-2 oz. serving, you won’t Whether you’re in the made from high-tech fabrics developed experience any sorting, sifting or sneezing show pen, training at for human performance clothing as they (either you or your horse). Your horses home or enjoying time are lightweight, breathable and moisture- love it and the bugs will stay away—that’s on the trail, you don’t wicking, as well as comfortable and durable. guaranteed! Try our best-selling Buggzo need biting and irritating The mesh blocks up to 80% of harmful pellets for a tasty way to keep bugs away. insects distracting UV rays and reduces solar glare, while Call HorseTech your horse and ruining WITH THE RIGHT PLAN, the comfort-fit design with unique two- and order your ride. Farnam® way stretch helps the mask stay put. Also Buggzo today Grand Champion™ available with a removable nose. to get ahead accomplishes two www.absorbine.com of those pesky VICT RY tasks at once. Think of bugs. www. CAN BE YOURS it as a high-end coat horsetech.com conditioner that sends flies, mosquitoes and gnats packing. The unique, continuous-spray Fight the ﬂ ies on every front with tried and true solutions ® ® SmartBug-O OutSmart applicator comes in a practical 15 oz. size for everywhere from the feed room to the manure pile Ultra Pellets Fly Spray Fly Stoppers and provides even, controlled spraying at any angle. Farnam.com Create your battle plan at SmartPak.com/NoFlyZone

72 EQUUS 366 1-800-461-8898 |M SmartPak.com A R C H 2 0 0 8

SMARTPAK_EQUP_0418.indd 1 2/6/18 3:14 PM E Q U U S A D V A N T A G E E Q U U S A d v a n t a g e SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION special advertising section Start Early & A TASTY WAY TO Get Ahead! KEEP BUGS AWAY!TM Fly Away! Garlic, Apple Cider Vinegar Fly Away! & More in a Tasty Pellet Pest control is essential for the raising the bar Pesthealth control and iswell-being essential offor your the healthhorse. and Here well-being are products of your designed for protection and comfort. again. horse.to keep Here those are bugs products at bay. designed to keep those bugs at bay. Our newest UltraShield® fl y mask design had already set the Ears are crafted from a sport knit that’s new standard for keeping horses cool, dry, and comfortable. commonly used in football jerseys and known ® Fly Stoppers™ Now we’ve upped the ante again with a number of upgrades for its soft feel and durability. And the face is Tasty Pellets! FlyFly Stoppers™ Stoppers™ are that we know you and your horse will appreciate. fashioned from a durable, Flythe Stoppers™ smart way are to the smart way to breathable woven mesh that make your farm a A REMOVABLE NOSE AND MORE make your farm a Available in cob, horse, no-fly zone! These Our horse-size mask is now available blocks 80% of harmful no-fly zone! These and warmblood sizes. The Bugs don't even come close... tiny, beneficial UV rays while also tiny, beneficial with a removable nose to provide bugs feed upon reducing heat transfer and solar bugsand feedbreed upon within extended coverage and full-face glare. We’ve also made sure that Neither do our Competitors! andthe breed developing within protection from insects and the the developing stages of pest flies, sun. We also widened the hook- those fabrics resist stains—all in stages of pest flies, preventing them from developing before and-loop closure at the jowl on a mask that comes in three sizes preventing them from developing before Buggzo offers an easy way to keep pesky bugs away. they can bother your horse. You just need for optimal fi t. they can bother your horse. You just need all masks to help keep the mask Our tasty pellets contain garlic, buffered apple cider vinegar, to spend five minutes releasing them on toyour spend property five minutes each month, releasing and them you’ll on enjoy secure and created a new angle for A NAME YOU CAN TRUST thiamine (Vitamin B1 ), diatomaceous earth and more! youra fly-free property farm each all season month, long. and Plus,you’ll if enjoyyou the eye darts to increase protection. Our latest redesigned fl y mask is just a fly-free farm all season long. Plus, if you Buggzo--the original, best-selling garlic and vinegar pellets! order them on AutoShip, you’ll save 5% on Then we added an additional coating one of a full line of outstanding fl y control order them on AutoShip, you’ll save 5% on every shipment and you won’t have to worry ® every shipment and you won’t have to worry to the mesh for enhanced durability and products from UltraShield , one of the about remembering to reorder them every ® TM doubled the seams for greater tear resistance. many Absorbine brands trusted by aboutmonth! remembering www.SmartPak.com to reorder them every month! www.SmartPak.com riders around the world. So when SAME ADVANCED FABRICS We made sure to keep what was working, you’re looking for the best in horse Pro-Force® Fly Spray including the latest high-tech performance care, look for the yellow ribbon. Pro-Force®Pro-Force® Fly SpraySpray from Manna Pro® Pro-Force®delivers rapid Fly Sprayknockdown, from Manna kill and Pro® repellency fabrics. The crown and jowl are made Awesome Supplements... deliversagainst rapid a wide knockdown, variety of insectskill and for repellency up to with a diamond-knit fabric used in running against a wide variety of insects for up to Amazing Service! 14 days. With Pro-Force®, you have the apparel that wicks away moisture. 14 days. With Pro-Force®,power you have to fend the off power to fend off Available Online at www.HorseTech.com over 70 species of overpests—including 70 species of Removable nose available Order by Phone at 1-800-831-3309 pests—including in horse size only Free Shipping in Contiguous U.S. ticks, biting flies and ticks,stable biting flies. flies It has and stablealso beenflies. provenIt has alsoto workbeen againstproven no- tosee-ums. work against Pro-Force® no- Classical Riding with George Morris see-ums.Fly Spray Pro-Force® can be In this beautifully illustrated compilation of three decades of Practical Fly Spray can be Horseman articles, legendary rider, trainer and horseman George H. Morris used on ponies, used on ponies, teaches you how to train your young or green horse on the flat and over horses, dogs and fences, improve your horse's flatwork to help his jumping, put yourself in horses,as a premise dogs and spray, the safest and most effective riding position and learn to see a distance. asand a premise is available spray, Paperback, 200 pp. andin ais 32 available oz. spray inand a 32 gallon oz. spray size. It’s andtime gallon to kiss size. your It’s fly THE EQUINE NETWORK STORE timeproblems to kiss goodbye.your fly Official store for EQUUS Magazine STOR E problemsForceFlySpray.com goodbye. www.EquineNetworkStore.com ForceFlySpray.com

M A R C H 2 0 0 8 EQUUS 366 7 5

EQPARTIALS_EQUP_0418.indd 487 Fly Supplement fnlp.indd 74 74 2/15/182/16/18 3:539:29 PMAM WF YOUNG 3_HR_0517.indd 1 2/13/18 10:41 AM Fly Predators® The Fly Control That Really Works!

“I love using Fly Predators, they work. I always have compliments on so few ﬂ ies.” —Donna M., Anderson, CA Customer since 2012

Fly Predators are tiny With hardly any fl ies benefi cial insects you around to breed at the sprinkle near manure start of spring, you can areas once a month during have delightfully few fl ies all warm weather. Fly Predators summer. There is no cost now, kill fl ies before they emerge, saving you’re charged only as each you from battling them all summer long. shipment is ready. They’re the safe, easy-to-use Quick and Easy-To-Use natural alternative to spraying During warm months we will send you a gallons of pesticide or hanging Fly Predator shipment every three to four weeks. endless traps, Simply sprinkle them where fl ies only to have fl ies Horses Fly Predators Cost 5,000 Fly Predators per Month Delivered reproduce, such as manure areas that Just Sprinkle Out keep coming back. + sales tax are still moist. In a few minutes you’ve done And they will keep 1-5 5,000 $ 21.95 your fl y control for the month. Fly Predators coming back because sprays, baits and 6-10 10,000 $ 32.95 11-15 15,000 $ 43.95 don’t bother people or animals. traps only affect adult fl ies ignoring the 16-20 20,000 $ 55.95 85% yet to emerge. 21-25 25,000 $ 66.95 A Great Value 26-49 $2.33/head/mo.+ shipping Using Fly Predators you’ll likely spend less By comparison Fly Predators fi x Doubled Up Bonus Shipment(s) than before with better control. The pouch the problem rather than just treat Order 5 months get 1, 9 mo. get 2 shown is enough for fi ve horses for one the symptoms. They’re the ounce of Above 50 head... call for quote. month and costs just $21.95 plus tax. prevention that’s worth pounds of cure. Why Wait Another Year To Try Fly Predators?

Stop Flies Early ® Bye Bye Odor Fixes Stinky Barns Next summer’s fl ies are This time of year, with barns closed up, often already on your property, there is very high ammonia levels. This can in the pupal (cocoon) stage, impact your horse’s performance and cause laying in wait for warmer severe respiratory problems. To appreciate weather. Fortunately, the Optimum Starting Time For Fly Predators: how bad it might be in your barn, kneel February March pupal stage is where April May down and take a whiff. To fi x this, spritz Fly Predators stop fl ies. the wet spots with Bye Bye Odor when mucking out. By ordering your Fly Predators now they’ll arrive at A 4 oz. concentrate is enough for 5 horses for a month, the optimum time in the spring to stop those few $19.95, 32 oz. for 40 horses/month is $119.95. lucky fl ies that survived the winter.

Products of the Year Best buy The Little Bugs That Do A BIG Job™ 1-866-227-5517 • ad code dbsky • spalding-labs.com/2veg2

FLY PREDATORS®, Bye Bye Odor® and The Little Bugs That Do A Big Job are trademarks of Spalding Laboratories, Inc. Copyright© 2018 Spalding Laboratories, Inc., PO Box 10,000, Reno, NV 89510 All rights reserved. 76 EQUUS 366 M A R C H 2 0 0 8

SPALDING_EQUP_0418.indd 1 2/12/18 3:34 PM