Fly Control Hacks

1. Flies LOVE manure and other organic material - so keep the barn clean as much as possible. Remove manure and wet bedding from stalls daily and dispose of it away from the barn. Be eco-friendly by composting your manure for your garden, flower beds or to fertilize your fields.
2. Use fly predators! Fly Predators are tiny insects that feed on fly larvae, helping to reduce the fly population in your barn or any other surrounding areas. They are a natural and effective way to control flies without using any chemicals. 
3. Install fly traps - fly traps can be easily hung in the barn, loafing shed or tree-line. There are all kinds of traps to catch adult flies. Sticky tapes, disposable domes, disposable bags, sticky tubes and fly bait granules. 
4. Use fans in your stables during those hot humid summer months. Fans generate a constant air flow throughout your horse’s stall keeping the air circulating to prevent flies from settling. 
5. Try essential oils - essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus are known to repel flies. Take a spray bottle and mix the oils with some water and spray around the barn and stalls. For every 4oz of water its recommended you use 30 drops of essential oils. 
6. Keep those feed bins closed and feed bags stored and sealed properly! Flies are attracted to feed, especially sweet feed. Using a tight-fitting lid will also help prevent unwanted rodents. 
7. Clean the water troughs, tanks and buckets often. Flies tend to be allured by standing water, keeping your livestock’s water sources clean and free of algae and debris is a must! Try placing water sources in the shade to reduce the water temperature to prevent algae from growing. Empty and scrub buckets and troughs at least once a week. Or use a suitable algae-control agent like barley straw or live gold fish. 
8. Add fly masks and sheets to your tack room. Fly sheets, masks and leggings can help protect your horse from biting flies in both the pasture and your stalls. Fly masks with ear covers and muzzle coverage prevents flies from biting their most sensitive areas. While fly sheets and leggings help eliminate bumps, welts, rashes and other skin irritations caused by biting flies and other bugs.

FLY TRAPS

Fly traps are a type of device designed to attract and capture adult flies. There are several different types of fly traps available, including sticky traps, bait traps and electric traps. Here are some general steps for using fly traps.

1. Choose the type of fly trap that is best suited for your needs. For example, sticky traps are best for indoor use, while bait traps, electric traps and disposable bags and domes are more effective outdoors.
2. Set up the fly trap in a location where flies are likely to be found. This may include areas near in or around your stable, garbage cans, compost bins, or other sources of food or organic material.
3. If using a bait trap, follow the manufacturer's instructions for bait granules.
4. If using a sticky trap, remove the protective covering from the adhesive surface and hang the trap from a hook or other support.
5. If using an electric trap, plug the device into a covered electrical outlet and turn it on.
6. Check the fly trap regularly and dispose of any captured flies. Depending on the type of trap, this may involve discarding the entire device or simply emptying a collection container.
7. Replace the fly trap as needed, depending on the level of fly activity in the area.

FLY SPRAY & FLY ROLL-ON

Fly sprays are the most common and traditional way to repel flies and insects from horses and other livestock. Fly sprays come in both controlled chemicals and natural forms and can be applied to your horses’s body using either a spray bottle, wipe or roll-on.

HOW TO APPLY :

1. Choose a well-ventilated area in order to avoid inhaling the product
2. Read the label. Not all fly sprays are alike, read the label carefully to determine what type of application method you need to use.
3. Shake the bottle to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
4. Spray bottle approximately 6-12 inches from the horse’s coat, spray a light mist over entire body. Pay particular attention to areas where flies tend to gather the most - such as the back, belly, chest, neck and legs. However you want to avoid certain areas such as the eyes, mouth and other  “sensitive areas”.
5. To apply fly spray to the horse’s face and ears it’s recommended that you spray the product onto a cloth or sponge or use a fly control roll-on to apply. The roll-on method is both convenient and effortless for an all-over even coverage on the face and ears.
6. Reapply as needed - the effectiveness of fly spray can vary depending on the brand, weather conditions and horse’s activity level.
7. Store your fly spray in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight.

By implementing these hacks, you can help control the fly population in your barn and create a more comfortable living environment for both you and your horse.