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So, you've cleaned your barn, and employed many of the preventive maintenance and environmental tactics suggested above, but your horse is still bothered by flies. Or, maybe you got a late start and have found yourself in the middle of fly season and need some immediate fly control methods for your horse. * Clothing. Manufacturers have developed several kinds of clothing to protect horses from being bothered by flies. These include fly masks, designed to protect the horse's eyes, ears and other sensitive parts of the face. The mask should fit well and not irritate your horse in any way. Fly sheets or blankets are also popular in protecting your horse from flies, as they cover the horse's body, preventing flies from landing on the horse's skin. Another benefit of the fly sheet or blanket is that it protects your horse's coat from sun damage and fading. Mesh leg wraps are also an option in fly protection. These wraps cover the sensitive leg area and are lined with fleece to prevent insects from crawling in the top or bottom of the wrap. * Repellent. There are all kinds of fly repellents on the market, including sprays, lotions, and ointment, but all are to be applied directly to your horse. They can be very effective at controlling fly problems on your horse. Many contain an insecticide that kills flies soon after they land and prevents them from landing on your horse to begin with. Whichever type of fly repellant you choose to use, be sure to test it on a small area of your horse before applying it all over to make sure your horse doesn't develop a reaction to the product. In addition, for maximum effectiveness, be sure to apply as often as the directions instruct. * Deworming agents. Putting your horse on a regular deworming schedule, in combination with other fly control methods, is critical in keeping your horse free of most parasites and flies. Deworming agents help prevent any bot eggs ingested by your horse from hatching into parasites and wreaking havoc on his intestinal system. |
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