Controlling the flies!
How many times have you swatted, flapped at and well, walloped an annoying, buzzing insect recently? Probably too many times to mention - so check out what Equine's panel of testers reckon are some of the best repellents to have on the yard.....
*** LONG TERM TEST ***
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
H-Trap - Horsefly Trap
The company says: Effective, chemical free way to help reduce horsefly numbers. The black ball absorbs the sun’s heat then emits it, mimicking a warm animal. As heat indicates blood, the food of the female horsefly, she is drawn to the ball, but cannot bite it, so flies upwards and away, only to be guided into a water-filled collection chamber via the funnel over the ball. This sturdy trap can be used year on year to help reduce horsefly numbers, with independent studies showing a reduction of over 90% in numbers in areas continually protected by the H-Trap. One H-Trap should be used for every five horses, placed next to where horses congregate. RRP of £180, incl. VAT and delivery to UK mainland addresses.www.horseflytrap.co.uk
Our tester, Pam Harrison, says: Sited between the turnout paddocks, the arena and the stables, the H-Trap was in place all of last summer and is back again this year. It catches an unbelievable number of insects - both horseflies and those nuisance stable flies that buzz relentlessly around the horses (and us!) I put it up myself, which was easy despite it's very robust construction and it definitely does remove the horsefly nuisance very effectively. Even riding on a warm summer day there are virtually no biting flies or Cumbrian clegs (aka horseflies) to drive us all nuts. It didn't eliminate all the clegs from the grazing pastures, but they are drastically reduced and considering we live in a livestock farming area where lots of grass is cut for silage, that's a real result. Very simple to clean out the container that collects the dead flies and refill with water and a drop of washing up liquid. Have you ordered one yet?
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Carr Day Martin – Flygard Extra Strength
The company says: Contains an optimum level of 20% DEET for powerful, long-lasting protection against midges and biting insects. Get the perfect coverage and ultimate protection, even in hard to reach areas, using the new Equimist 360 technology. 600ml. RRP: £16.75. www.carrdaymartin.co.uk
Our tester, Terri Graham, says: At last, a really modern looking moulded bottle with a very effective new spray gun that forms the upper part of it. Easy to hold and delivers the spray over a good area. The product is made up of pyrethrins and DEET well known for its effective control against midges and biting insects. Despite the weather doing its best to keep the bugs at bay we have had a few days where we have reached for this product. Even horses who are averse to spray applicators coped with the quiet delivery of this. It has a pleasant smell not overly flowery or chemical, more importantly the horses were remarkably midge free and it was effective for 12 hours. It did not leave a greasy residue in the coat or build-up of sticky marks. Did not cause any untoward skin reactions.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Weatherbeeta – Airflow Combo
The company says: Effective summer protection from insects and flies. Soft, durable and lightweight polyester mesh outer for protection from insects whilst keeping your horse cool on warmer days. Elastic insert panel at the base of the combo neck for additional comfort whilst grazing. Full Wrap Tail Flap for added insect protection. Removable belly flap for total body protection. Traditional side gusset for ease of movement. Adjustable front twin chest straps and adjustable removable web/elastic leg straps. Magenta/Grey or Silver/White/Navy. Sizes: 4’0 – 7’3*. RRP: from £64.99.* 7’3 only available in in New Silver/Navy/White. www.weatherbeeta.co.uk
Our tester, Emma Woolley, says: If you are looking for the utmost in protecting your horse from the sun and insects this summer, this rug is well worth the investment. It covers them from head to tail, and has a generously large tail flap which really gives the best protection to the horse possible. The belly flap is removable, giving the owner the option of protecting the underside area of the horse if needed. A feature that I really like, which I haven't seen before, is the elastic insert panel at the base of the neck, which gives much more comfort to the horse when their heads are down grazing, as it gives them much more freedom and doesn't have the restriction of standard necks on rugs. The straps and fastenings seem hardwearing. This fly sheet should be everyone’s top choice this summer.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
NAF - NAF Off Deet Power
The company says: Offering all day protection from flies and insect menace and is renowned for its repelling skills, helping you to combat the flying nuisances the warm weather brings. Available in Spray or Gel form. Sizes: 750ml spray plus free Tag (RRP: £16.99), other sizes available. www.naf-equine.eu/uk
Our tester, Rachel Thomas, says: This is one of few fly sprays that actually did appear to be effective. It seemed particularly good with keeping midges at bay. It’s a simple, easy to use spray bottle, and if the horses don’t like the spray, easy enough to just spray on a cloth and put it on them that way. The DEET in it really did appear to help and it didn’t have a strong offensive smell either. I also thought the fly repellent tag that comes with it is a very good idea. This can easily be put on your bridle, or wherever you feel best, as an extra deterrent. A brilliant product, in fact I’m going to buy two bottles, one for at home and one to keep in the horsebox.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Rockies - Bug:go!
The company says: Garlic has been used for many years as a natural way to repel flies and the 10% garlic is combined with salt to help maintain body fluid balance and prevent electrolyte deficiency. Molasses free, is can be offered in a free access manner and due to the manufacturing process, the lick can be used in the stable, field shelter or even in a sheltered position in the field. 5kg block. RRP: £9.81. www.rockies.co.uk
Our tester, Claire Paisley, says: This has proved to be a palatable lick and an effective fly repellent, and during the test period I used a rope to suspend the product in the stable. The smell of garlic is rather strong, but not overpowering, and the two horses who have tried the lick had slightly different opinions. One has shown some interest and licks occasionally, whereas the other horse only has access for a short time as he loves it and is more than happy to bite off big chunks - he really does enjoy the taste. Each horse has been turned out in the field and they haven’t been overly bothered by flies although were also wearing some fly spray. In summary, this is a great way to provide a natural fly repellent for your horse or to effectively done everything you would want, stopping flies attacking your pony’s ears and eyes but what mostly impressed me, was how much it prevented your pony from getting sunburnt without applying sun screen.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Cox Agri – S.W.A.T Automatic Insect Killer
The company says: Automatically releasing a measured quantity of Pyrethrin, derived from a specific strain of chrysanthemum, which is non-toxic and safe to use around livestock yet delivers tremendous knockdown insect power. On Guard 24 hours a day but also has a day/night setting via a sensor, and a period between dispensing the quantity released can be adjusted accordingly. The 300ml can will typically last a month giving you a cost effective yet convenient solution. Ideal for use in housed solutions and walk-in shelters where it will knock out stable flies, horse flies and black flies. Battery powered and can be wall-mounted. Dispenser & Refill pack RRP: £22.00. Refill Can RRP: £8.00. www.coxagri.com
Our tester, John Collier, says: If you need an equine equivalent of calling in the Ghostbusters to solve a problem, this is the solution for you. It works like a domestic air freshener, the only thing you need to do is vacuum up the dead flies. On a serious note it is a professional product for use in specific locations. It is ideal for us when we have a hatch of flies from the local recycling unit at Hespin Wood, but it doesn’t want to be used with a lot of people around. Unsurprisingly it is not endorsed by the Green Party but it does work. Read the warnings in the packaging, but if you have a fly problem in a building this will solve it, and is well worth the money.
