Thank you Deep Woods Off! Sorry, long post

[allons-y]

I wish I had tried this earlier. The gnats are eating 2 of 3 horses alive. The OTTB not so much. The Pony and Paint scrub their tails and manes off. Now their ears are quite moth-eaten in appearance from the rubbing. It has gotten so bad that they both are losing weight on 24/7 turnout because they choose the dark run-in shed over pasture. No power in barn so in with fans isn’t doable.

I already have an extensive fly repellant plan and morning routine. The barn has auto sprayers for meal times, the only time they’re in. There are no flies in the barn. Sun screen lotion on the Paint’s white shoulders. Zinc ointment on white noses and cheekbones.Zinc on OTTB’s white heels during rainy season. Fly mask with ears for OTTB, Sho-fly leggings for all. Spray with SSS/Listerine mix on body. Swat on ventral line and sheath works to repel the B52 Bombers. Swat on ears.

They scrub on trees so bad fly masks are destroyed. The Paint spent most of his pasture time with his head at the butt of the OTTB to use his tail. They are at home so I could see the head shaking and scratching and actual running to get away - run to the run-in shed. I do not live near a swamp.

I finally found some info on the Web about DWO and decided to give it a try. I put the DWO along their crest, tail head and ears the first AM and PM. Wow what a difference. They are all out, grazing separately, no head shaking or scratching whatsoever. I have the little green spray bottle, haven’t used much yet. I have ordered the lotion for ease of ear application, spraying my hand then rubbing the ear isn’t easy or very efficient. I can continue to spray crest and tail head.

I’m sorry I didn’t think of this earlier. Next year I’ll start in Spring and hopefully they will be much happier. I hope my experience can help other itchy horses.I have read the posts here including fears and warnings about DWO, but I will continue to use it for now, my horses deserve the relief.

[going_gray]

Yes, I’m here in MI and have used Deep Woods Off on my two half drafts this July and August. That’s when the green hornets and the big black horseflies come out and terrorize the horses. After reading about someone else using Off here on CoTH, I decided to give it a try.

I spray the dorsal line from crest of neck down to their tails. I spray under their bellies and use Swat as well on their belly button areas. I’ve watched for any burning or bumps but both horses have been fine with the Off. No hives!

Using Off has helped tremendously with the horsefly attacks! Horses are happy and so am I! (I also use Mosquito Halt, especially in the evening.)

[NancyM]

Costco puts the packet of three cans on sale. Stock up then for barn use! I do!

[beau159]

I’ve used Off Deep Woods for years. It’s the only thing that controls and mosquitos and gnats.

I know some horses can have an allergic skin reaction to it, but mine never have.