Barn Fly Prevention Tactics

Keeping a horse healthy and comfortable is important for any owner, and one area that’s often overlooked here is fly control and prevention. Flies can cause more than annoyance – they can transmit a variety of diseases, as well.

At A.A. Callister, we’re here to help. We have a wide selection of fly control products, from pesticides and repellants to cotton ear nets for horses. In addition to our products, here are a few common tactics you can take to keep the stable as fly-free as possible.

Manure Management

Manure should be removed from stalls each day, and any wet bedding should be removed this often as well. This will eliminate the warm, moist environment that flies prefer for laying eggs, which will in turn lower the overall fly population. Many flies also feed on manure, so removing it takes away one of their food sources.

In addition, regularly remove manure from the pasture to eliminate the prime breeding and food source for many insects. If you have large open fields, consider spreading manure in thin layers – it can help fertilize fields, and keeps piles down. It also helps dry the manure out and reduces the preferred environment for flies. If you use a manure composting pile, make sure to pile it up rather than out, and cover it as often as possible.

Fans

Ceiling and portable fans are a great way to deter flies from entering the barn. Circulating air makes it harder for them to fly, and a fan angled to blow air over the horse makes it harder for flies to land on them. Make sure to use fans and power cords that are designed specifically for agricultural use, to reduce any fire risk.

Basic Housekeeping

Basic barn housekeeping like dropped grain around the feed tub or uneaten supplements can attract flies looking for an easy meal. Regularly empty and scrub feed tubs, and do the same with water buckets – especially for horses that like to dunk their hay or drop grain into their bucket. Make sure all garbage cans have tight lids to prevent flies, and regularly remove any garbage from inside the barn.

To learn more about preventing flies, or to find out about products like farrier supplies, cinch clothing, bull riding helmets and more, speak to the experts at A.A. Callister today.

Information

Customer Service

About A.A. Callister