The warm season is upon us again, and the flys are a buzzing. There are industrial repellants out there, but that doesn’t mean you have to use them. While flies are a nuisance, that doesn’t justify slathering yourself or your horse with unnecessary chemicals.
Bringing it Together
So I did some research to find out some of the best & most natural ways to control pests. Beyond sprays there are a variety of options to help keep flies at bay. Believe it or not some of the natural fly predators (which attack flies in the larval stage) are among the best for pest management in larger establishments.
Thanks to everyone who posted their home made solutions online!
Fly Predators
This is an option I would never have considered if I didn’t have a computer. However, it is a much more eco & animal friendly approach than chemical sprays. There are several types of predators that can help eliminate fly populations.
Insects
Believe it or not, there are tiny little bugs which require fly larvae to lay their own eggs – killing the fly in the process. There are several different types and companies who sell them, like The Beneficial Insect Co. and Source Eco Fly.
Ducks
Muscovy ducks can also be very effective in controlling flies (grasshoppers, locusts, snails, slugs & even mice too). The Muscovy are said to be healthy, low maintenance foragers – in other words, easy keepers. Here is some information about the Muscovy and a Muscovy Breeder Location Map.
Sticky Tape
Although it’s not very natural, it’s better than sprays which leave behind residue. At least the sticky won’t affect other animals in the vicinity. There are tons of different fly tape options, but you might try Mr. Sticky or Natural Insect Control.
Fly Spray
Regardless of which method you use to control pests, you’ll always need a backup. Where flies are concerned, life finds a way. Here are a couple of different recipes – all with fairly common ingredients and quite easy to make. Thanks to all of the people who posted these great ideas.
Organic Fly Spray
1 tablespoon eucalyptus oil
1 teaspoon bergamot oil
5 tablespoons vodka
2 tablespoons white vinegar
5 cups water
Directions: Dissolve the eucalyptus & bergamot oils in the vodka, then add the vinegar and then the water. Store in a spray bottle and shake well before using.
Thanks to Food.com for this one.
Organic Fly Spray
4 tablespoon eucalyptus oil
4 tablespoon citronella oil
1 pint apple cider vinegar
½ pint liniment or witch hazel
Directions: Combine ingredients in a half gallon container then fill the rest with water. Store in a spray bottle and shake well before using.
Thanks to Every Rider for this one.
Citrus Insect Repellant Spray
2 cups light mineral oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoon citronella oil
2 teaspoon eucalyptus essential oil
2 teaspoon lemon dish soap
Directions: Combine ingredients and store in a spray bottle – shake well before using and avoid eyes.
Thanks to Moniteau Saddle Club for this one.
Wound or Bandage Fly Control
1 tablespoon tea tree oil
3/4 to 1 cup of water
Directions: combine in a spray bottle and spray the affected area or bandages. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic & a natural insect repellent – works around ears (keep away from eyes) as well.
Thanks to Todays Horse for this one.
Internal Fly Repellant
Sprays aside, there are other ways to help your horse repel pesky flies. Try 1/4 cup of apple cider on their grain or in their water once daily. This is actually good for your animal & works by raising the acidity level in their blood enough to make them taste sour to flies & other biting pests.
Thanks to Moniteau Saddle Club for this one.
Can’t Be Bothered to Make Your Own?
Life is busy and that is understandable. Just be sure to make good choices when you purchase any type of pest control, try companies like Equinature, Arbico Organics and Le Melange for healthier options.
Extra Help
If flies are the least of your problems, I found a great list with organic options for all different types of pests, Organic Pest Control Guide. In the end, of all pest control methods I researched for this article, I have to say I like ducks the best. 🙂
Thanks for this very helpful article, Paige. Never would have considered ducks. If they do slugs too, you’ve also provided a solution to sharing my strawberry crop with the varmints (hopefully Muscovy’s don’t like strawberries). I’ll be checking out those links to learn more about these ‘natural’ predators. They sound like wonderful creates already.
I’m so excited to hear the research paid off. Who doesn’t like ducks? 😉 Hope you’ll let us know how it works out Nanette!
We have a 14 year old Muscovy duck that works the area around the barn every day. She spends her entire day browsing the bug world in the summer and prefers the buffet on the ground over conventional feed. And yes, they eat mice. Quickly.
Thanks for sharing Doug, I’m sure readers will appreciate your first hand experience. These are some dreamy ducks!
Great article! Thanks! My rule of thumb is that if it’s not safe to put on my skin, or for me to breathe, then it’s not safe for my horse either. I’m excited to share your article with my coaching clients who are looking to live a more holistic lifestyle. Thanks again!
Thanks Patti and 100% Agreed (I’m a picky consumer too). Glad you liked the article, and that you want to share it. 😀
I thought that no one would recomend a duck.