You've probably seen them before: the sturdy, large flies with the big eyes, also known as horseflies. The females are on the hunt for blood. The need blood to lay their eggs. A horsefly bite hurts horses and humans a lot. On top of that, horses can get very stressed when there are horseflies around.
Horseflies can be found in humid areas that also offer some shade as well as sunlight. In warm, sultry and calm weather, they can be a true plague for most horse owners. Only in windy conditions, there will be fewer horseflies.
Horseflies don't sting, they bite. They have a stout mouthpart with many cutting blades. When they bite, they cut the skin a little. A horsefly bite causes some swelling and a painful wound. Horses during training or out on the pasture could start panicking when they have horseflies flying around.
How can you protect your horse and yourself against these bloodthirsty insects?
- Cavalor Flyless is an insect repellent spray based on icaridin to protect horse and rider from obtrusive insects like horseflies and flies.
- Horsefly traps in the pasture or paddock. The black ball is heated by the sun, which causes the ball to give off heat radiation. It moves slowly, like a grazing animal, so it looks like an appetizing prey for the primitive brain of a horsefly. Once the horsefly arrives on the ball, it discovers the fraud. It will fly up and eventually end up in the catch funnel. A horsefly trap reduces their presence by up to 90%. It is recommended to install at least one horsefly trap per hectare.
- A fly rug with protection of neck and head is recommended. Fly rugs are also available for use during riding or cooling down.
Did you know that …
- A horsefly has a lifespan of approximately 6 weeks?
- Only female horseflies bite? The males only eat nectar.
- Horseflies are able to bite through thin pieces of clothing like T-shirts?
- Horses with a lighter coat colour in general have a lot less inconvenience from horseflies than dark-coloured horses?