1. True or False: Natural oils like cedar and peppermint help keep flies away.
T/F
2. What happens if flies get inside an open wound on a horse?
a. Flies aren’t attracted to open wounds.
b. It will stop the wound from healing.
c. It’s very likely that a summer sore will form.
3. True or False: The only way to prevent flies is by using a repellent on your horse.
T/F
4. Why do horses who live outside need extra bug protection?
a. Flies are usually worse in the pasture.
b. Rain and sweat can cause fly spray to wear off quickly.
c. There are more than just flies in the pasture – mosquitos, gnats, horse flies, and more.
d. All of the above
How’d You Do?
1. True. Cedar and peppermint oil are often used on their own or along with fly repellent and are a good alternative to products with harsh chemicals.
[More on fly repelling oil: 5 Kinds of Fly Control You’ve Never Thought Of]
2. When flies invade an open wound on a horse they can lay eggs which will cause a summer sore to develop. These are much harder to treat than a regular wound and if left untreated can be very dangerous.
3. False. There are several other options to prevent flies. One is a product like Nature’s Force Horse Bug Clear that creates an insect repellent from the inside out. You can also hang fans in your horse’s stall to keep flies from coming near them.
4. All of the above! Horses who live outside definitely need a little more fly control than inside horses. This can be with a fly mask and sheet or a thick and weather-resistant product that will last for several days.
