As temperatures climb across Texas and the South, fly season kicks into high gear—and your horse feels it. Flies and mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause irritation, stress, allergic reactions, and even transmit serious diseases. Whether you're preparing for shows or just enjoying summer rides, keeping your horse comfortable and protected is a top priority. Here’s a simple guide to help beginners and casual horse owners stay ahead of fly season.
Clean Up the Barn and Pasture
The first step to winning the battle against flies and mosquitoes is cutting down their breeding grounds. Flies love manure, spilled feed, and moist bedding, while mosquitoes flock to standing water. Make it a daily habit to pick stalls, clean pens, and remove manure from pastures. Fix any areas where water pools—like low spots in fields, old buckets, or clogged gutters. Even something as small as a forgotten water trough can become a mosquito nursery.
If you have water sources like ponds that can’t be drained, consider adding mosquito dunks—natural products that kill larvae without harming horses, fish, or wildlife. The cleaner your property stays, the fewer bugs you’ll have to swat away.
Use Horse-Safe Insect Repellents
When it comes to fly sprays and mosquito repellents, not all products are created equal. Stick to repellents that are specifically formulated for horses. These products are designed to be safe for equine skin and provide longer-lasting protection without causing irritation.
Apply fly spray before rides, turnout, and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. Be thorough—spray legs, belly, neck, and under the jawline, where bugs love to bite. Some horses are sensitive to certain ingredients, so if you notice any skin reactions, switch to a gentler formula or a natural option like essential oil-based sprays.
For extra protection, you can also use roll-on repellents around sensitive areas like the face and ears, where spraying might be tricky.
Dress Your Horse for Success
Fly sheets, fly masks, and fly boots aren’t just fashion statements—they’re effective barriers against biting insects. Lightweight fly sheets protect your horse’s body from flies and UV rays, while fly masks shield sensitive eyes and ears. Some masks even come with long ear covers to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Make sure your gear fits properly to avoid rubbing or discomfort, especially during hot weather. Mesh materials are designed to keep airflow moving, so your horse stays cool while staying protected.
Time Your Turnout
Another simple strategy to reduce fly stress is to adjust your turnout schedule. Flies are most active during the heat of the day, while mosquitoes come out at dusk and dawn. If possible, turn your horse out early in the morning or later in the evening when bug activity is lower—or even keep them in during peak hours and let them out when it's cooler and less buggy.
Stay Consistent
The key to successful fly and mosquito control is consistency. Cleaning, spraying, and checking your horse daily during fly season makes a huge difference. By staying on top of these small tasks, you can help your horse stay happy, healthy, and focused—whether you’re prepping for a show or just enjoying lazy summer trail rides.
Fly season doesn’t have to be a battle. With a few easy habits and a little extra care, you can make the warm months a lot more comfortable for you and your horse.
