I know some of the best ways to get rid of mosquitos have to do with good land management practices. However since I don’t control the farm, I’d like to focus on topical suggestions. The farm is already taking some steps as well.
The horses (and humans) are currently getting eaten alive by mosquitos. Does anyone have any topical product recommendations to help keep them away? Any good fly sprays that also help alleviate mosquitoes? Any other product ideas?
if you are in an area where West Nile is common and there is a ongoing mosquito population check with your equine vet about biannual vaccination for West Nile. (per updated AAEP vaccination guidelines)
We had to go to biannual a few years ago after one of ours horses who was on annual (in the Spring) contracted West Nile in the Fall . The Horse had been vaccinated annually for West Nile since the vaccine was available. He had some other minor issues but I kept telling our then vet that it appeared he had West Nile (I kind of knew what I was looking at because we had one contract it in the early 2000s before any vaccine was available, he survived because we caught him early on)
We ended up euthanizing him (heart breaking so as he was treasured by my daughter) , afterwards we went to biannual vaccination
I use Deep Woods Off (or the store brand equal). Yes, on my horse.
It is also what I use if I am riding somewhere that I know there is a heavy tick population.
Cut back on bathing - plain water only when necessary to cool a hot horse. Neem shampoo or citronella shampoo when you must do a full bath + put your fly spray of choice into a small pump up garden sprayer and hose your horse down every day at least once like it is on fire and you’re trying to put it out.
Run a propane powered mosquito magnet from early spring through the summer. yes it costs some money and yes it is worth EVERY PENNY. You must start early though.
Have they become more reliable?
We had one …hmm… 15 years ago. When it worked it worked well, but the problem was keeping it working. It would error and turn off at least once per day. Manufacturer would send replacement this or that when contacted, but it never seemed to get better.
We’ve never had a problem with them.
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