Flies causing nuisance to Falabella horses, what to do!

Fortunately, temperatures are rising again, but that also means the Falabellas are once again facing pesky flyers. Horseflies and mosquitoes swarm around their eyes, stinging and biting while they're out in the pasture or in the barn.

Flies, mosquitoes, midges, gadflies, and horseflies love the scent of Falabellas and know they can find nutrients there. The tear fluid of a Falabella is a favorite spot for these insects to land and irritate, leading to increased tear production and sometimes even eye infections.

Puddles in pastures are ideal places for flying insects to lay their eggs, and manure piles serve as a food source and breeding ground for flies. Damp stables are also attractive to these insects as a place to lay their eggs.

But what can you do about it? Here are some suggestions and tips:

– Keep the stables as dry as possible and install special lights, adhesive strips and fans to improve airflow.

– Hang up fly traps. These are available for purchase, but you can also make them yourself using online tutorials.

– Clean food and water bowls regularly with vinegar and lemon juice.

– Keep the pasture free of manure and avoid areas with puddles.

– Plant insect repellent plants along the edges of the meadow, such as Lemon Balm, Lemon Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary, Marigold and Catnip.

If there are horseflies in the pasture, you can use a horsefly trap or make one yourself using online tutorials. Horseflies can bite through anything, so standard sprays aren't always effective.

Flies hate garlic. By giving your Falabella a little garlic daily in the form of oil, powder, dried, or fresh, you can boost their immune system and keep flies at bay. A combination of apple cider vinegar and garlic is ideal for summer, but be mindful of the dosage to avoid potential side effects such as itching and allergic reactions.

There are various fly masks and fly blankets available to protect your Falabella. These are made of lightweight material that doesn't increase body temperature, and some even come with neck pieces. Make sure the fly mask fits snugly around the head to prevent flies from getting through.

The good news is that the flying population usually disappears in the fall and especially in winter.