UGH! Welts/hives from fly bites already! Who uses pharmaceuticals for summer?

[Old_Mac_Donald]

It’s called an Equivisor. They are AMAZING and $40 AUD each. I sew the nose flaps on (from Caribu @ $6 ea). This year I tried a new technique of using teeny cable ties to attach the noseflap in the corners. Over the nose I used super strength velcro glued on with Tarzan Grip on the upperside of the mask, and a piece of sheepskin on the underside (this mare needs sheepskin). That way I can remove the nose flaps in winter, or to wash them, as they don’t last as long as the masks do.

This mare is 25yo and has nasal tumors and it’s a fine balance between keeping her safe from the sun (she burns like bread in a toaster) and overloading her skin with things that rub.

[IPEsq]

I use Zyrtec all summer. Also for general allergies/asthma. I also find that HorseTech’s Buggzo product will help with the welts even if it doesn’t exactly repel flies (our flies are bad!). Maybe they just don’t bite as much? And Equishield IBH (insect bite hypersensitivity) salve if they do get some as well as on midline–haven’t tried the spray.

[CindyCRNA]

Any of you try Deep Woods Off? I sprayed my guys legs belly and neck this morning lightly along with his regular fly spray as I tuned him out at 6am and worried about mosquitos that eat him alive.

[IPEsq]

I have sprayed my fly sheets with it when the deer flies are out. But not on the horse directly.

[Renn_aissance]

@IPEsq

And Equishield IBH (insect bite hypersensitivity) salve if they do get some as well as on midline–haven’t tried the spray.

The spray works well too.

@CindyCRNA

Any of you try Deep Woods Off?

Yes, directly on the horse. My vet and I discussed that by the time he was likely to develop cancer or something awful from contact with potent chemicals, it would be a moot point (horse is 28.) I use it on the legs. Seems to work OK but doesn’t totally eliminate the belly bites. However, it does help with ticks.