Solve Horse Fly Problems with Food Additives and Homemade Fly Repellents

Summer is approaching and this is the time to keep flies at bay. This article looks at 2 ways of tackling Summer flies.

First, identify these insects. In the UK there are different flies that affect horses. Midges, Black flies, Bot flies, Horse flies, Crab flies, Stable flies, and House flies. are the main culprits.

Three of these Problem Flies

As horse owners, it is necessary to protect our horses from flies. Two strategies are given here. The first is from the inside out and is the second is from the outside in.

1. From the”Inside Out “using Additives

Tackling flies from the inside out means adding to a horse’s diet something that will make him less appealing to the flies. This is commonly achieved by adding apple cider vinegar and/or garlic granules to the horse’s feed. Both are easily obtained from feed stores and you need to follow the feeding instructions given with the products.

2. From the “Outside In” using Fly Sprays

Some fly sprays are water-based, while others contain oil. The best are made with apple cider vinegar and citronella oil.

Three homemade fly spray recipes are given below. These have been tried on Rideout Horses and proved to be effective.

A Basic Water-based Spray:

• 2tbsp of washing up liquid
• 8tbsp of apple cider vinegar
• 2 mugs of strong tea
• 2 litres of water

A Water and Oil-based Spray:

• 3tbsp of citronella oil
• 4tbsp of methylated spirit
• 2tbsp of washing up liquid
• 8tbsp of apple cider vinegar
• 2 mugs of strong tea
• 2 litres of water

A Spray for Horses Affected by Midges:

• 2 mugs of apple cider vinegar
• 1 mug of water
• 1 mug of bath oil
• 2 tbsp of citronella oil or 1 tbsp of eucalyptus oil and 1tbsp of citronella oil

Be aware of an allergic reaction with any new product used on your horse and never spray fly repellents into eyes, ears, nostrils, or open wounds.