Orange County 4-H Website

Environmental control methods are used to rid your horse and the area from any flies you were not able to prevent. You will most likely need to use a variety of different methods, as no single one will be your saving grace at controlling fly problems.
 

* Foggers. Foggers are disposable types of insecticides to be used inside buildings. Make sure that all doors and windows are tightly shut before you use the fogger, keeping the doors and windows shut for at least 15 minutes after you fog. Before you allow your horse back in the building, make sure to ventilate the area.

* Area sprays. Like foggers, these sprays work at getting rid of flies very quickly through the use of insecticides. Use in and around buildings before and during the fly season, making sure to keep the spray away from feed and feeding equipment. There are several types of fly sprays, some are short-term, while some are designed to work for 4 to 6 weeks. In addition, many are sold as concentrates and need to be diluted, so read the instructions carefully before using.

* Fly bait. These contain a tasty "food" laced with poison. The food lures the flies to eat it, then the flies later die from the poisoning. Fly baits are sold in hanging or standing stations or as scatter bait to be used on the lawn and around buildings. Special care needs to be taken in homes where children and pets are present, as ingesting the bait can be dangerous to animals and people.

* Fly tape. These contain a sticky substance designed to trap flies when they land on the tape. Some contain a scent attractant designed to lure the flies, others contain insecticides and the remaining just contain a sticky substance. Fly tape is sold in various widths and lengths and can be hung from or taped to areas of any room. It is safe and generally inexpensive; however, they can be messy and unsightly, and they also need to be replaced as soon as they become dusty or have too many flies on the tape.

* Electronic zappers. These electronic hanging devices attract flies by the bright, neon light they emit. The flies are attracted to the light and fly into the zapper, and are immediately killed upon contact. Zappers make a buzzing sound when the flies are killed, a sound that may startle horses. They are good for spot control of a small area.