Fighting the flies may have felt like a futile effort in the past, but there’s more you can do to beat them than you might think.
A barn-wide insect control plan that fights the flies on every front will help set you up for victory more than any single solution alone.
That’s why from insect defense supplements to fly spray to fly gear and more, we’ve got the smart solutions you need to fill your fly control arsenal. Keep reading to find out how to build the ultimate plan of attack for your farm and to see what fly solutions riders like you are raving about.
When it comes to battling the bugs, it’s important to have a barn-wide system that has every zone on your farm covered. Read on to find out about the different types of fly control to use where so you can make your farm a no-fly zone.
ZONE 1: MANURE PILE
MISSION: Stop flies before they start
Your first step to making your farm a no-fly zone is ensuring that larvae can’t mature into adult flies with Fly Stoppers™. These tiny, beneficial insects feed on fly pupae, preventing them from developing into bothersome adult pest flies. Spend five minutes releasing them in fly breeding grounds, like the manure pile, every month throughout fly season and you’ll help keep the fly population at your farm in check all summer long.
ZONE 2: FEED ROOM
MISSION: Defend your horse from the inside
When it comes to feed-through products, you’ve got two choices: an insect defense supplement or an insect growth regulator. Insect defense supplements provide ingredients to deter insects from biting your horse, helping give him his own personal no-fly zone. Insect growth regulators, which work best when fed to every horse in the barn, inhibit the development of house and stable flies, helping to reduce the overall fly population.
ZONE 3: RING & TRAILS
MISSION: Kill and repel flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and gnats
To prevent bugs from being a bother during your rides, apply fly spray to your horse before you head outside. Depending on which fly spray you choose, it may kill insects, repel insects, or even confuse flies and prevent them from finding your horse.
ZONE 4: TURNOUT
MISSION: Keep the bugs o your horse
Denying insects access to your horse is an easy way to help him enjoy his time outside. Physical barriers like fly sheets, fly masks, and fly boots will provide your horse with the extra layer of protection he needs to keep the bugs away.
ZONE 5: PERIMETER OF BARN & FIELDS
MISSION: Catch invaders from neighboring properties
Even if you’re using Fly Stoppers to prevent flies from developing on your property, it’s likely that you’ll still get unwelcome visitors from your neighbors. Stock up on fly control solutions for the perimeter of your barn and fields, such as fly traps, to catch visiting flies before they get near your horse. Keep in mind that because these traps attract flies, you shouldn’t hang them too close to your barn and horses.
STOCK YOUR FLY CONTROL ARSENAL
Keep reading to check out the bug-busting solutions that Team SmartPak riders, SmartPakers, and horse owners like you are raving about, then visit SmartPak.com/NoFlyZone to learn more about how to build the ultimate plan of attack for your farm.
Budget-friendly bug beater
• Garlic, apple cider vinegar & brewer’s yeast to deter biting insects & omega 3s for healthy skin
• Also includes diatomaceous earth to discourage insect breeding in manure
Loved by: SmartPak Customer Brenda C. fro¬m Lakeland, FL
“I decided to start Farrah on SmartBug-Off¬ Pellets to help deter biting insects so that we can focus on what matters. It will stay in her SmartPaks year-round to ensure that she always has the support she needs to help protect her from the bugs.”
Team SmartPak Rider Shannon Dueck swears by our Equinox 365 program
“The Equinox 365 program was the perfect addition to Allegro’s SmartPaks. I love that he gets SmartBug-Off¬ Ultra to deter biting insects in the summer and SmartOmega 3 & E Ultra to help balance the lack of fresh pasture in the winter.”
SmartPaker Elizabeth puts the whole barn on this top pick
“Solitude IGR has proven to be a smart way to manage fly season at my barn. All of our horses eat it readily, and I love how it really cuts down on our fly population.”
Tips from the Pak
For the ultimate insect defense, consider using a supplement like SmartBug-O¬ff Pellets along with an insect growth regulator like Solitude IGR.
You’ll love Fly Stoppers because:
• They’re a chemical-free solution you can feel good about using
• They prevent flies from developing before they can bother your horse
• You can put them on AutoShip and save 5% on every shipment
Loved by: SmartPak Customer Maria from Alburquerque, NM
“Finally, my horses are getting some relief from the flies! I am very pleased with the product. It arrived on time, hatched as expected, and works great. Can’t wait to get another batch!”
An innovation in fly spray
• Repels house flies, stable flies, mosquitoes, and ticks
• Made from an innovative combination of plant-based ingredients
• Designed for both horse and rider
Top pick of Team SmartPak rider Matt Mills
“OutSmart Fly Spray is the only fl y spray I use. Besides the fact that it really works, it’s made with plant-based ingredients that we can feel good about using on our horses.”
SmartPaker Jen’s #1 choice for spraying the bugs away
“My horse has no tolerance for bugs, but as an eventer, I need to keep him fit by riding in the fields and trails. UltraShield EX is one of the few fly sprays that keeps the bugs away, so he can stay quiet and focused on me instead of the flies and mosquitoes.”
Rated 5 stars by SmartPak Customer Abigail B. from Tacoma, WA
“Best fly spray I’ve used. I’ve tried many, many brands of fly spray on my horse. She’s very sensitive to fl ies so she gets hives and itches her belly raw. This spray actually keeps flies away and stops them from even landing her.”
The latest innovation in fly repellent technology
• Made from knitted polyester that’s soft, strong, and reflects the sun
• Full coverage with an integrated neck, belly flap, and supersized tail flap
• Unique color technology helps prevent insects from finding your horse
SmartPaker Favorite: Amy from Merchadising
“ The new Amigo Evolution Fly Sheet has all of the features I look for in a fly sheet and more! I’m most excited about its new, innovative color technology. Most insects can’t perceive orange or aqua, so this fl y sheet’s colors naturally deter insects from landing on your horse.”
SOLD OUT
NEW!
Team SmartPak rider Michele McLeod’s pick for stock horses
“Finding a fly sheet that fits Quarter Horses like Slick can be tricky. The Rockin’ SP Deluxe Fly Sheet gives him poll-to-tail protection and keeps him comfortable because the unique cut is specially designed to accommodate stockier builds like his.”
SOLD OUT
NEW!
Tried & trusted by SmartPak Customer Sarah W. from Madison, WI
“This sheet is great and offers a nice relief from flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and all the other annoyances my horse throws fi ts about. He’s outside 24/7 in a big group pasture, and it stays in place even after rolling and keeps him cool, too.”
Leave a Reply