jeji
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Post by jeji on Jun 22, 2009 15:25:54 GMT 1
Does anyone have any recommendations for fly sprays which work particularly well against horseflies? I never had much of a problem with them at my old field but have moved and there is a stream at the bottom of my field which I think is breeding ground heaven for the nasty beasties.
I covered the boys in flyspray and 2 hours later when I went back to check them they were covered in blood and sweat and about 50 horseflies, it was like something out of a horror film poor things, they were beside themselves, as was I. After a cool wash down they are now in their stables munching on some very expensive hay. I'd like to get them back out, but don't want them to be tortured! I do have a fly rugs but their faces and legs are still exposed.
Any ideas or suggestions most welcome! And does anybody know when the horsefly season is over? I don't have a field shelter, just tall hedges, but I have heard that because horseflies locate by sight they don't like going into dark areas. Maybe a project for the OH....
Thank you.
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eden
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Post by eden on Jun 22, 2009 15:31:23 GMT 1
Do they where Fly rugs? Vicky has hers on and lots of fly spray and she does not mind. I did buy some new stuff in a white red and black bottle can't for the life of me think its name, Nobody sold coppers but this is very good, it stinks but lasts ages on them.
kate x
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milo
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milo, lily, bob,henry and monty
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Post by milo on Jun 22, 2009 15:33:58 GMT 1
my poor henry has come out in these really huge round lumps,ive put fly spray on them but they hate it and run away at the sight of the bottle coming,my vet said theres a new product on the market which is ment to control the allergic reaction to the bite, cavaleese its called has anyone tried it?
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jeji
Novice Poster
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Post by jeji on Jun 22, 2009 15:37:59 GMT 1
Thanks very much Kate, I'll keep my eyes out at the tack shop for the red white and black bottle. I only have a fly rug for my ISH (not been worn much so far this year as it's not been too bad, but maybe the weather has brought lots of the horseflies out) as my other pony is a new companion on loan and didn't have any gear at all - any brand recommendations and I will get myself to the shops asap?!
Jess x
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jeji
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Post by jeji on Jun 22, 2009 15:41:51 GMT 1
Milo I have just ordered some Aroma Pre-Itch from Aromesse which is supposed to soothe bites as well as repel flies. It said on the website 100% satisfaction guarantee so I thought it was worth a try and have heard good things about Aromaheel which is another of their products. Will let you know when it turns up. I know what you mean though, just the sight of the spray bottle can send them running - we're only trying to help!
x
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Post by JackieJATaylor on Jun 22, 2009 15:48:37 GMT 1
The only thing that will repel horseflies is a lot of Permethrin (eg in Coopers) but if you have that many it won't be enough to last all day, they must have deep shade (like a large chestnut tree they can get right underneath and become invisible) or a stable to escape them.
Jackie
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Aida
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Post by Aida on Jun 22, 2009 16:03:50 GMT 1
I'm using a fly rug, Naf Off Deet, and sudocream two to three times a day as well as my normal fly preventatives (home made spray, and avon so soft). This does work, providing I leave no inch uncovered!!!
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Post by BlossnPru on Jun 22, 2009 17:14:03 GMT 1
I'm using "Phaser" fly spray, it stinks but seems effective when I'm out riding, flies hover then buzz off!
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speedy
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Once I was a racehorse...
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Post by speedy on Jun 22, 2009 17:14:26 GMT 1
They are particularly bad this year. Mine are ok in the field in their rugs, or in the stable, but riding is a nightmare - they are practically swarming around us!!
I think the really stinky stuff in a red, black and white bottle is called Phaser as I've been recommended it by someone else
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Post by wendyihts on Jun 22, 2009 17:55:12 GMT 1
You need to get hold of some Versatrine or Butox - Versatrine is deltamethrine. It's usually used as a pour on for cattle or sheep but we use it down here in south of France for horses too. 7ml down their spine and neck (ears to tail) as a pour on and it lasts up to 4 weeks. I put some on mine yesterday, after having patch tested it without them having any reaction to it. Not a single horsefly on them today (and we've had loads of the beggars too). I use this stuff for as short a time as possible but it's better than seeing them getting eaten alive.
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jeji
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Post by jeji on Jun 22, 2009 17:55:20 GMT 1
Brilliant, I will get some Phaser and see how I get on. Just bitten the bullet and ordered a not very bargain priced Rambo fly buster rug which is soaked in permethrin-let's see how well that works!
Thanks for all the info and advice.
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Post by wendyihts on Jun 22, 2009 18:00:34 GMT 1
Deltamethrin (in form of Butox) is being used in the UK to try and protect animals against bluetongue, so presumably you can get it there. www.bluetongue-info.co.uk/control/spc-butox.asp . I've used Versatrine and Butox and prefer Versatrine so far as you need less and it seems to seep through the hair more easily than Butox. |
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jeji
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Post by jeji on Jun 22, 2009 18:06:11 GMT 1
Thanks Wendy, that sounds very interesting, I'll look into that and maybe speak to the vet if I can't seem to get hold of any elsewhere.
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gillmcg
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Post by gillmcg on Jun 22, 2009 18:19:56 GMT 1
I use diluted Butox (1:5) about once a week - sponged thickly down the spine then spread it. Seems to protect them for a couple of days. They do spend time in the barn though when it gets too much. As for me I've bought some Mosquito Milk which I'm trying out on our next ride - I'll probably put a few stripes of it on Douzy too - AND take my fly swat! Funnily enough the place we find them most is a shady lane between two wooded areas - perhaps a nice damp breeding ground for them?
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Post by wabuska on Jun 22, 2009 18:28:26 GMT 1
I think sprays in the field are a total waste of money. Invest in a rug. I think there is a Shire's ride on fly rug somewhere in their catalogue. The certainly have them on Ebay. We had a miserable time this morning too out hacking.
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