Hearing horses grazing in the pasture brings such joy to a rancher’s heart — until it’s accompanied by the sound of flies buzzing. Flies are persistent pests in Texas pastures, and they’re more than just a nuisance; they can cause serious problems for horses. From discomfort to skin issues and even increased risk of disease, flies create an unhealthy environment for your animals — and for you.
At Thomas Moore Feed, we know there’s more to keeping your horses healthy than providing them with quality feed. Keeping the pasture clean and implementing an effective fly control plan can do wonders for your animal’s comfort and well-being. To help you avoid the frustrating battle against those biting and buzzing flies, here are some tips that you can use to beat the buzz and keep your herd happy and healthy.
More Than a Nuisance: The Dangers of Flies Around Horses
A few flies may be annoying, but what starts as a minor problem can quickly grow into a massive issue. Flies multiply quickly, and a pasture full of flies can put the comfort and health of your horses at risk. High fly populations can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Painful bites and skin irritation
- Open wounds and infections
- Eye irritation
- Transmission of bacteria and disease
The good news is that there are things that you can do to stop flies from taking over your pasture so your horses can enjoy a healthier, more peaceful grazing environment.
Prevent Flies from Thriving
One of the most effective ways to reduce the number of flies in your pasture is to make the space less hospitable. Flies gather and breed in manure and moist organic material, so proper sanitation is essential. To maintain a cleaner environment:
- Regularly remove manure from stalls, paddocks, and other areas horses frequent
- Properly compost or spread manure
- Keep feeding areas clean, and be sure to promptly clean spilled feed
- Improve drainage in areas that are muddy or remain damp
Taking a proactive approach when it comes to daily pasture care can prevent a minor fly problem from turning into a serious infestation.
Implement a Multi-Step Fly Control Strategy
As the saying goes, “the best offense is a good defense,” and that saying certainly applies to flies. There isn’t a single method that can completely eliminate and prevent flies, so combining several preventative measures is essential. The following strategies will help to keep the fly population at a more manageable level:
- Use fly masks and sheets to protect your horses from bites and irritation
- Use fly sprays and repellents (as directed) for an additional layer of protection
- Ensure barns and shelters are properly ventilated to create a less appealing environment for flies
- Set up traps and other safe fly control solutions to reduce the number of flies around your property
Using the right combination of tools and strategies on a consistent basis can significantly reduce the fly population and improve the comfort of your horses.
Support Horse Health with Proper Nutrition
While keeping the pasture clean and implementing a multi-step fly control strategy can be helpful, if you really want to maintain the health and comfort of your horses, quality nutrition is essential. Feeding your herd a well-balanced diet that contains the right blend of nutrients is vital for maintaining coat and skin health, boosting immune function, and increasing energy levels.
At Thomas Moore Feed, we produce premium-quality horse feed that’s specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of horses at every age and stage of life. We’re proud to support the hardworking horses that are an integral part of Texas ranches, farms, and families.
Win the Battle Against the Buzz: Keep Flies at Bay and Your Horses Happier & Healthier
To effectively keep flies under control, you have to be consistent with your efforts; however, the results are well worth it. By combining good pasture hygiene practices, fly control strategies, and quality nutrition, you create a healthier, more comfortable environment where your horses can truly thrive. Want to give your horses the nutrition they deserve? Contact Thomas Moore Feed or visit your local Texas feed dealer to find our premium-quality products.
