From May to September, a field full of flies and horseflies can drive a horse mad: stamping, head-shaking, pacing nervously up and down. No single product works against insects on its own. You combine physical protection on the horse, trapping in the field and a repellent. You will find products for all three here.
Three ways to keep insects at bay
Shielding. A fly rug covers the body and neck, so insects cannot reach the skin. The range includes the Horse Armor Knockdown fly rug in 183 and 191 cm. For the head there are headcollars with an integrated fly mask in sizes Pony, Cob and Full; they are also in headcollars and fly masks.
Trapping. The Loer horsefly trap consists of a dark ball under a canopy with funnel and collection container. Horseflies hunt for large, dark, warm shapes; the ball warms up in the sun, the horsefly lands, flies upwards and ends up in the collection container. All parts are also available separately, handy if something breaks after a storm.
Repelling with a product. KerbEX Rot comes in a 1 or 5 litre bottle, with a separate sprayer; read the label for where and how to apply it. There is also the anti-horsefly product BremsenBremse from Zedan. Against ticks, the range includes the Tickless Horse, a small device you attach to the headcollar or mane. A wide choice of sprays is in the selection fly spray for horses.
Which approach suits your situation?
| Situation | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Horse is in the field all day | fly rug and headcollar with fly mask, supplemented with a horsefly trap |
| Many horseflies along a ditch or woodland edge | horsefly trap in a sunny spot in the field |
| Riding or hacking in summer | a repellent before setting off, according to the label |
| Walking through long grass or along woodland edges | check for and remove ticks afterwards |
Points to note
Insect repellents are biocides: always use them according to the label and test a new product on a small patch of skin first. No product stops every fly or horsefly. A fly rug must fit well, otherwise it rubs at the withers and shoulders; check daily that nothing has shifted. Place a horsefly trap in the sun and out of the horses' reach, so they do not walk into it. After a walk or turnout, it pays to check the legs, armpits and groin for ticks; if you see a red ring around a bite or your horse feels unwell, consult your vet.
More for daily care is in horse care, everything for fencing and feeding outdoors in stable and field. The full overview is on everything for your horse.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place for a horsefly trap?
In a sunny spot where horseflies are active, for example along the edge of the field. Place it out of the horses' reach or fence it off, so they do not knock it over.
Can my horse wear a fly rug at night?
Many owners leave the rug on day and night, but check daily that it fits well, does not rub and that your horse is not too warm under it.
What do I do if I find a tick?
Remove the tick as soon as possible with a tick hook or tick tweezers, close to the skin. Keep an eye on the spot for a few weeks and call in your vet if your horse seems unwell.
Does a fly mask also keep horseflies off?
A mask protects the eyes and ears from landing insects. Horseflies mainly bite on the body and legs, so combine the mask with a fly rug or a repellent.