Wellness Tips
WAYS TO DECREASE YOUR HORSES EXPOSURE TO MOSQUITOES
Use ‘pyrethroid’ fly sprays
- Multiple products available; spray entire body, avoiding eyes.
Natural methods
- Oil of eucalyptus (topically)
- Oil of citronella (topically)
- Top-dress feed with granulated garlic and brewers’ yeast as a natural mosquito repellent
- Apple cider vinegar sprayed or wiped on coat; can also be fed
Use physical barriers
- Fly masks, ear covers, sheets, leg covers
- Can soak these items in fly spray prior to application
- Keep horses in during peak mosquito times of the day (dusk & dawn)
Stable & paddock area
- Keep weeds trimmed & lawns mowed
- Use fans in barn
- Put up screens to keep mosquitoes out
- Drain standing water and unblock drainage ditches
- Empty, scrub and refill water troughs often
- Remove debris that holds water, especially tires
- Treat small ponds with mosquito larvacide
- Stock larger ponds with larvae-eating fish
- Spray insecticide in areas surrounding barns
- Install bug zappers
NO PREVENTION IS 100% EFFECTIVE!!