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| Author |
Message |
    
Rhonda Mumm
| | Posted on Saturday, Jun 5, 1999 - 11:34 am: |   |
I am determined to somehow win the war on flying insects this year! I was told by several people that braiding the insecticide ear tags worn by cattle in my horse's mane and tail is very effective against flies, mosquitoes, gnats, etc. Any thoughts on the safety and feasibility of doing this> |
sagafarm
| | Posted on Saturday, Jun 5, 1999 - 3:47 pm: | |
I was told the same thing, Rhonda. In addition, I was told to use the tags intended for dairy cattle, that they are safer. I asked my vet about this, and he said that he couldn't endorse my use of a product "off label" which I certainly understand. But, I've used a certain wormer "off label" with good results and decided it was worth a try with the ear tags. So, last year, I tried it. None of my horses got sick. I also did not notice any change in the fly population that was tormenting them! The tags are supposed to be effective for several weeks, but it was a moot issue because they all managed to lose them within a few days. This year I look out upon a pasture of "masked marauders" as they are all wearing fly masks. I saw the new fly collars that are on the market, but after talking with the sales rep, I learned that they were tested on horses kept in stalls, and they don't guarantee the collars to last in pasture conditions. Same thing with the new leg bands. The fly masks do have the drawback that you need to be there to take them off at night, but other than that, they seem to do a good job. I also spray the horses with a long lasting repellent once a week, and that seems to help too. After being bitten myself by horse flies and deer flies, I fully understand the PAIN these bites cause the horses. I'd like to spare them too! The only thing is that horses have been surviving fly bits for eons...but we don't know if they can survive the cumulative effect of some insecticides :-(
Nina |
Emily French
| | Posted on Saturday, Jun 5, 1999 - 9:48 pm: | |
Ladies-
A couple of years ago I won the war...I got "Fly
parasites" sometimes called "Fly preditors". Life
is good now, and my weepy eyed appy hasen't had an
eye infection since.
-Emily |
Kathryn Owens (Jkso)
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 12, 2001 - 12:54 am: | |
Emily where did you get the fly predators? I would like to get some for my barn. Thanks Kathryn |
Emily French (Jcsmoon)
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 12, 2001 - 10:50 am: | |
They are sold by two parrent hatching companies Farnum or Arbico. Arbico gives you the most bang for your buck 1 800 827 2847. They will need to know how many livestock animals you have, if you have had a nursing animal in the last 2 years, manue management practices, etc. |
Shelley Wiley (Swiley)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 18, 2001 - 10:59 am: | |
You probably dont want to hear this but picking up the piles every day and raking up the leftover hay does a lot to keep the flies down. I have five horses, all turned out day and nite. Every morning I pick everything up after I feed. Two of the horses have very sensitive skin and will rub the hair right off their necks if I dont control things. It actually works. I also use spray and masks on the weepy eyed ones. The good part about my situation is that I dont have neighbors with horses so I only have "my" flys to worry about. |
Beth Seyer (Jacque)
| | Posted on Sunday, Jul 22, 2001 - 12:11 am: | |
My mare is boarded in an area where all the neighboring farms have cattle. Fly control in the pasture is a huge big darn deal. I think I could dip my mare in fly spray and it still would'nt be enough protection. I use a fly mask with ear covers, but as soon as it's removed the flies are unmerciful. I agree, steadfast manure/urine management in the barn and field are imperative, but feel I'm losing the battle due to the cattle! So, today I bought and applied the new drop on fly control---Freedom spot on---my farrier and tack shop folks have had nothing but raves about it----anyone else have experience with this new product? I'll let you all know how it turns out for us. (ps--it cost me about $26 for a one month supply). |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)
| | Posted on Sunday, Jul 22, 2001 - 11:53 am: | |
Hello Beth,
we have had a lot of members experiment with this product and report, run a search on the key words Freedom and Spot as many do not get the name just right and follow the links.
DrO |
Christine C. Mills in NC
Member
Username: Chrism
Post Number: 894
Registered: 4-1999
| | Posted on Wednesday, Mar 12, 2003 - 4:32 pm: | |
I recently saw the insect repellent cattle ear tags in a catalog and wondered if anyone thought these might 1) be helpful in repelling insects and 2) be safe for use with horses.
Different brands use different insecticides - are any more or less dangerous for horses?
I tried the Freedom Spot On one summer, but didn't really notice that it helped.
With WNV becoming more entrenched, my mare's bug allergies, etc. I started wondering if a couple of these on her turnout halter would be helpful.
Any new news on these?
Thanks! |
