The air is full of buzzing insects, tormenting the horses. Insects are true pests for horses, whether in the pasture, in the stall, or during riding. To get rid of annoying insects, horses may shake, move jerkily, or even suddenly gallop off. However, insects are not just small nuisances; they can also transmit diseases like piroplasmosis or summer eczema and damage the horse's skin.
Horses may be quite large animals, but even for them, a mosquito bite or a horsefly sting is not pleasant. Horses have very sensitive skin, more sensitive than humans, and can feel even light touches and minimal pressure. Even the smallest fly is annoying, and mosquito bites itch at least as badly, while horsefly bites can be really painful.
Why do horses attract flies, mosquitoes, and other insects?
Horses regulate their body temperature by secreting sweat. However, it is precisely this salty sweat that attracts insects. With their manes and tails, horses try to defend themselves naturally against insects. Often, this is not enough, especially in summer or during warm temperatures.
Further tips that can help against insect infestation
- Always keep the stable and pasture clean (do not provide breeding grounds for the "pests")
- Sultry days are feast days for flying pests, especially mosquitoes. Therefore: On hot days with high humidity, it is better to leave the horse in the stall
- To best rid the animal of insect-attracting horse sweat, we should hose it down regularly with cold water on hot days. Caution: Some horses are afraid of water and must therefore be gently introduced to the refreshing shower
- If the insect infestation cannot be controlled during the day, you can alternatively put your horse out at night
UltraShield Black from Absorbine is the best-selling insect repellent from the USA and is registered as a horse stable spray in Germany.
Pleasantly scented with aloe, lanolin, and citronella oil in a water-based formula.
- USA's best-selling insect repellent
- Highly effective
- Also effective against ticks
