

So I tried a green solution - Fly Predators - to my stable-fly population. Last year, I tested an innovative method of fly control because my horse gets hives from the fly spray and he rubs the hair off wherever they bite him. They are even harder to knock down with botanical pesticides, which are plant-based but still quite toxic. House and stable flies are tough to control with chemicals. Mine originate in my horse corrals, but may congregate where there are dogs, caged pets, backyard chickens and composting operations. They pester us, torture pets and invade our homes. The same power of nature is available to control flies. Gardeners release live ladybugs into the landscape to keep aphid populations at bay. This simple fly spray recipe can be made with household ingredients and essential oils (we recommend Young Living for maximum purity and effectiveness).Predator insects are a valuable means of controlling problem pests such as aphids, which are the prey of ladybugs and praying mantids. All-Natural Fly Sprayĭid you know that you can make your own fly spray? While there are many great natural fly sprays on the market, they can be a bit expensive. They’re easy to add to your routine, too, because you can throw them on between grooming and leading your horse back to his pasture. These equine apparel items create a physical barrier between your horse and the flies while still keeping them cool in the warmer temperatures. Fly Sheets & MasksĪnother great non-toxic method for reducing flies around your horse are fly sheets and fly masks.

Small clip fans angled over your horse in his stall are great to regulate your horse’s temperature and keep the flies from landing on him throughout the day.

Simple stand-up fans are great to whisk away flies that seem to hover around the cross ties, whereas ceiling fans can keep a steady breeze flowing through the barn, making it harder to land.

Spalding fly predators portable#
Since I’ve been using Fly Predators-the natural way-I, my family, and my horses have all had a better life.” Ceiling and Portable Barn FansĬeiling fans and portable fans are a great way to reduce flies year-after-year with minimal recurring costs. I used to use a toxic system that would kill flies by spraying poison over the top of myself, my horses, my staff, and my children in order to control flies. What Pat says about Spalding Labs: “I’ve been using Spalding Fly Predators since the mid-80s. It just takes a few minutes and you’ve done your fly control for the month.” – Spalding Labs. You simply sprinkle them near all manure areas every three to four weeks during warm months. “Fly Predators kill flies before they emerge. The fly-fighting parasites that they discovered, now known as Fly Predators, became a grassroots business that quickly caught fire in the horse world. Born out of necessity to control pesky flies around horses and livestock, the Spalding Family wanted to manage flies around their horses without chemicals. When it comes to controlling flies naturally around the barn, Parelli Natural Horsemanship’s secret weapon are the Fly Predators by Spalding Labs. Parelli’s All-Natural Secret Weapon: Fly Predators Many livestock supply companies also sell natural hanging fly repellents that use non-toxic wax and essential oils that repel bugs without posing an extra risk to you or your animals. Fly Traps and Natural Repellentsįly traps are a great way to reduce the number of flies buzzing around the barn, and come in many shapes and sizes. Designating a specific area for manure collection away from the barn will help reduce the number of flies in the barn, as will consistent manure removal from the property. Daily stall cleaning is essential to keeping flies out of the barn, especially because stable flies breed in manure. It’s no mystery that flies are drawn to feces, and horse manure is no exception. Today we’ll cover natural solutions to combating flies in the barn, including our secret (and all natural) weapon against flies year after year. It’s never a question of “if” the flies will return, but rather “when” and “how many”? But with so many fly-control products using heavy chemicals, you might be searching for some solutions that will keep you and your horses toxin-free while still reaping the benefits of seasonal fly relief.
