I’m writing an article on pest control on the trail. Do you have a tried-and-true remedy for fly control, ticks, mosquitoes or other types of pests like dogs or deer that you are willing to share? If you’re willing to share your story, please post here or pm me and I will contact you. I need the information this week.
Thanks!
I use Espace gel, applied to the buttocks, to repel the B52 biting flies that frequent our area in August. These flies bite just above the tail and drive the horses crazy. Espace gel repels them really well when I ride.
Unfortunately, Espace gel has become difficult to get. At one time Dover and Farmtek carried it.
Deep Woods OFF … sprayed on my hand and wiped on the ears, face of the horse. Spray his body if needed. It’s DEET that does the trick.
For ticks, Ultrashield. I was impressed after finding them dead on my dog after walking through the woods. They didn’t have a chance to bite, just came in contact with the stuff in his fur and died.
For other bugs… ride faster. A good working trot is usually enough to out pace mosquitos but B52 bombers usually need to be smacked dead or gallop off!
I use Freedom 45 and never have ticks on the horses. Off on my helmet for me, as well as around my pant bottoms and waist band. I’ll put an ear bonnet on my horse if flies are bad.
Dogs - as long as I talk to the dog, my horses really don’t care, but they live with dogs.
I think people spook at deer more than horses do. My horses never react at all, other than to look at them, even if they run right by us.
Getting people to talk to the horses, especially if they are wearing or carrying something odd, is helpful.
Freedom 45 has worked for us for ticks as well. I also use Deep Woods Off. I read of someone on another forum who soaked rags in flea and tick dog shampoo, dried them, cut in strips and tied in horses’ manes and tails. I plan on trying that. I also will use a fly bonnet or mask on the horses at times. I’ve heard vanilla works for gnats but I didn’t have good luck with it. I didn’t have the real thing, but I heard people who claimed to have good luck with a vanilla spray, and doubt that had the real thing in it.
I think I’ve only encountered dogs when not alone, so we usually have a brave horse ride at them at a walk if they are being pesky. Most times they can be ignored.
Rode by a skunk once, that was a little scary! He was scurrying away as we were scurrying past, and his tail was starting to come up. It was a surprise for everyone, but he must have realized we were moving along.
Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate the input. My editor doesn’t want me to use brand names, but I’ve contacted a couple of you for more information. Thank you again!
Has anyone had good luck with dryer sheets as repellent? I remember someone telling me that they would tuck one under the crown piece of the bridle to keep bugs away.
I’ve thought about buying one of those whole horse fly nets like they use for carriage horses. I wonder if they’d work to keep the B-52’s off? Has anyone tried them?
Elaine
For dogs-
My horse is not fond of dogs.
In the winter, the only trails with good footing are on the beach, which has alot of dogs. If a dog come up behind her, she will start tossing her head.
Once I see the dog, I stop and wheel to face the dog. Generally, shouting go home and pointing works to get the dog to go away. I stay in the same spot until the human appears and/or dog leaves.
If the dog is aggressive, I will either grab branches/ anything I might have on my saddle and throw it at the dog while shouting . That has so far worked.
If I am already off and the dog is aggressive towards me, I have a popper/crop with me and I am not afraid to use it.
The most important thing IMO is to not run from the dog. However, if your horse is scared of dogs, this might be easier said then done.
To be honest, if we run into a dog, I am almost more worried for the dog than my horse. I have seen her charge when a loose dog that she doesn’t know tries to get into her pasture. I also once found a coyote with a kicked in skull in the pasture(group pasture, so she might not be the culprit, but she is the prime suspect). The funny thing is, if another horse even starts to pin their ears, she is out of their way in about .02 seconds.
