Relatively mild winter weather, above average temperatures and lack of rainfall this spring are all expected to create a worse than normal fly season in our area. Ferrell Hollow Farm has implemented many natural methods of fly control over the years and continues to research and try new things to keep our senior retirees comfortable.
Diatomaceous Earth: This is a fine white powder that can be sprinkled on manure piles to decrease the breeding fly population.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Use only the organic, raw vinegar with the "mother". This can be poured over the feed meals or in the water buckets or troughs at a rate of 1 cup per day, introducing the flavor slowly.
Vitamin B1: Thiamin has been thought to be a natural insect repellent. We are feeding 1,000 mg a day to all of the horses.
Fly Spray: We use natural fly sprays made with high quality essential oils, sprayed at least once a day.
Fly Gear: Fly masks, fly boots, and fly sheets can be quite helpful in keeping the horses comfortable during the day. I find the soft breathable mesh material and belly bands to be the most comfortable for the horses.
Willie, age 32, and Maggie, age 31, outfitted with fly gear for the day!
Fly Traps: The only effective control I've found against biting horseflies are traps such as the Epps Biting Fly Trap and we have made several varieties of our own versions to keep it more economical. One trap in each horse pasture has been necessary.
Epps Biting Fly Trap in front of Buddy and Slim's run in shelter.
Fans: All of our pastures have large run in shelters with electricity so that we can run fans to keep the air circulating during the heat.
Shade Screens: Hanging shade screens in each run in shelter cuts down on the sun streaming in the sheds, which not only deters insects, but keeps the horses more comfortable during the heat of the day.
Siegfried enjoys his large run in space outfitted with fans and a large shade screen!
Cindy Daigre is the founder and director of Ferrell Hollow Farm, an Equine Retirement facility in Middle Tennessee focusing on the unique concerns of Senior and Special Needs horses.
She provides Equine Nutritional Consultations, has developed a specialized line of Natural Horse & Body Care Products, Herbal Blends and Seed Mixes for Horses, and has written several articles for Natural Horse Magazine.
www.ferrellhollowfarm.net
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