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Horse-Biting fly

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Horn fly
Haematobia irritans Linnaeus
Adult
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
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Horse fly
Tabanus punctifer Osten Sacken
Immature
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
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Horse fly
Tabanus punctifer Osten Sacken
Adult
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
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Deer flies
Chrysops discalis Williston
Adult
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
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Deer flies
Chrysops aestuans Wulp
Adult
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
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Stable fly
Stomoxys calcitrans Linnaeus
Adult
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection

Including

Black fly (Simulidae)
Deer fly (Chrysops spp.)
Horn fly (Haematobia irritans)
Horse fly (Tabanus spp.)
Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans)

Pest description and damage There are several kinds of flies that suck blood from horses. These include: horn flies, horse flies, deer flies, stable flies, and in some cases, black flies. The primary concern regarding these flies is annoyance to the horse.

Note: Dusts may be the preferred treatment. Horses often react violently to higher spray pressures. It may be safer to apply dilute sprays with a sponge.

  • butoxypolypropylene glycol 4.85% + cypermethrin 0.15% + MCK326 (Di-N-Propyl isocinchomeronate) 0.50% + piperonyl butoxide 1.63% + pyrethrins 0.20% (Repel-X Lotion Fly Repellent; Endure Roll-on)-Remove cap and roll on areas being treated. Can be used around superficial wounds. Spot treat where flies gather. Do not allow product to get into the eyes, nose, mouth or sores. Do not use on foals under 12 weeks of age. Not for use on horses or foals intended for slaughter.
  • butoxypolypropylene glycol 5.0% + cypermethrin 0.15% + piperonyl butoxide 1.60% + pyrethrins 0.20% (Tri-tec 14 Fly Repellent; Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Spray)-Shake well before applying. Apply liberally every 5 to 7 days. After continued use, applications can be reduced to every 10 to 14 days as needed. Reapply after animal is washed or it rains. Spray on towel or sponge to apply to face. Do not use more than 11 oz. per animal per treatment. Use in well-ventilated areas. Not for use on horses or foals intended for slaughter.
  • butoxypolypropylene glycol 5.00% + MGK 264 (N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide) 2.00% + MGK 326 (Di-N-Propyl isocinchomeronate) 1.00% + permethrin 0.20% + piperonyl butoxide 0.50% + prallethrin-ETOC 0.13% (Mosquito Halt Repellent Spray)-For initial treatment, apply daily for 2 to 3 days to a clean dry coat. After initial application period, apply 1 to 2 times per week. Reapply after animal is washed or heavy rain. Avoid getting spray into eyes, mouth or nose. Do not use on foals under 12 weeks of age unless prescribed by a veterinarian. Not for use on horses intended for slaughter.
  • butoxypolypropylene glycol 7.5% + piperonyl butoxide 1.0% + pyrethrins 0.1% (Bronco Gold Equine Fly Spray)-As a spray apply a fine mist to and around the horse. Do not wet the horse's skin or exceed 2 ounces per application. As a wipe on moisten a soft cloth and rub over the hair. Give special attention to the legs, shoulders, neck and facial area. Do not use on horses intended for slaughter. Do not use on foals under three (3) months of age.
  • butoxypolypropylene glycol 10.0% + permethrin 0.50% + piperonyl butoxide 0.50% (Gordons Horse & Pony Spray)-Apply an undiluted mist or wipe-on to localized spots. Can use diluted 1 part concentrate to 4 parts water to treat the whole body via spray. Treat every 14 to 21 days. Do not use more than 6.5 fl oz of product per application. Do not wet the skin. Use care when applying to thin haired or light skinned animals. Do not allow contact with eyes, nose, mouth or sores. Do not use on foals under 6 weeks of age. Do not use on horses or foals intended for slaughter or human consumption.
  • butoxypolypropylene glycol 15.0% piperonyl butoxide 1.0% + pyrethrins 0.1% (Equicare Flysect Citronella Spray with Lanolin; Farnam Grand Champion Fly Repellent)-Apply 1 to 2 oz per horse per day. Use as spray or wipe on with clean cloth paying particular attention to legs, shoulders, flanks, neck and face. Avoid getting into eyes, nose, mouth or open sores. Do not use on foals under 12 weeks of age. Not for use on meat or dairy animals, poultry, horses or foals intended for slaughter.
  • butoxypolypropylene glycol 20.0% + MGK326 (Di-N-Propyl isocinchomeronate) 1.0% + piperonyl butoxide 0.5% + pyrethrins 0.2% (Wipe Original Formula Fly Protectant)- Shake well before using. Moisten a clean dry cloth. Apply by rubbing the hair coat briskly paying attention to the flanks, legs, shoulders, neck and face. Use approximately 1 to 2 oz per horse per application. Do not apply over cuts, wounds or irritated skin. Avoid getting in the eyes, nose and mouth. Apply sparingly around the ears. Do not soak the skin. Do not use on foals under 12 weeks of age. Do not use on horses or foals intended for slaughter.
  • coumaphos (emulsified)-Spray at 2.5 oz/4 gal. Apply to runoff. Repeat as necessary. Treat thoroughly all wounds and injuries. Do not apply to sick, convalescent, or stressed horses or to colts less than 3 months old. Do not apply with other medications or treatments or in stress situations. Do not allow contact with treated animals until their coats are dry. (RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE: Acute Oral Hazard. For retail sale to and use only by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision and only for those uses covered by the certification).
  • coumaphos (flowable insecticide)-Spray at 1 quart/200 gal water and mix thoroughly. Apply for complete wetting to run-off. Do not spray more than six times per year. Do not make applications less than 10 days apart. (RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE: Acute Oral Hazard. For retail sale to and use only by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision and only for those uses covered by the certification).
  • coumaphos (Co-ral Fly and Tick Spray)-Apply on-animal spray at 2 quarts/50 gal water or 5 oz/4 gal water. Treat all wounds thoroughly. Do not exceed six treatments per year. Allow at least 10 days between treatments. Not for use in horses intended for human consumption.
  • cyromazine 2.12% (Solitude IGR Feed-Through Fly Control)-Apply 0.5 oz to daily ration regardless of horse breed or size. The 0.5 oz serving provides 300 mg cyromazine/horse per day. Begin feeding before flies begin to appear and feed into the fall until cold weather inhibits fly development. Inhibits larvae development. Specific to flies, so not harmful to other horses, animals or insects in pastures that contain manure from treated horses. Not for use in horses intended for food purposes.
  • cypermethrin 0.15% + pyrethrins 0.20%-Spray or wipe entire body. Use on clean dry horses. Reapply every 5 to 7 days, as protection builds; reapply every 10 to 14 days. Not for use in horses intended for human consumption. Do not use on foals under three (3) months of age.
  • DDVP (dichlorvos, dichlorovos) organophosphate 1.00% (Prozap RTU) - Apply 1-2 oz per animal via mist spray. Use lower rate for smaller animals. Apply to the back, shoulders, flanks and legs. Do not soak the skin. Do not apply more than once per day.
  • diflubenzuron 0.24% (Simplifly with LarvaStop Feed-Through Fly Control)-Top dress grain daily to provide 6.8 mg of diflubenzuron/100 lb of body weight. Daily dosage table provided on label. Effective against larvae, not existing adult flies. Not for use in horses intended for food purposes.
  • diflubenzuron 0.67% (ClariFly Larvicide Livestock Premix) - This is a feed-through fly larvicidal. Blend it with other feeds. For a 1000-1200 pound horse at feed intake of 2% of their body weight use 1.5 pounds of premix/ton of feed. Can be top-dressed on daily feed at the rate of 0.15 mg/kg of body weight.
  • MGK 264 (N-Octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide) 21% + permethrin 7.6% + piperonyl butoxide 14% (Prozap War Paint Insecticide Paste)-ADULT HORSES ONLY. Turn the applicator wheel ¼ turn to bring 2 grams of paste to the top of the applicator. Apply a 1-inch by 4-inch stripe down the front cannon of the leg, where insects tend to irritate. Repeat for the other three legs. The pesticide is released over a period of weeks. DO NOT REPEAT TREATMENT FOR 7 DAYS and then only if needed. Do not apply this product with a sponge. Use the applicator stick only. Do not apply to a wet animal as the paste will not adhere. Once applied to the hair, it cannot be wiped off; therefore do not use within one to two weeks before a show or event as it will affect appearance. If local irritation occurs, discontinue use. If irritation persists, consult a veterinarian. Not for horses intended for food.
  • MGK 264 (N-Octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide) 3.10% + MGK 326 (Di-N-Propyl isocinchomeronate) 2.50% + piperonyl butoxide 1.85% + pyrethrins 0.5% + permethrin 1.00% (Equicare Flysect Super-C Repellent Concentrate) - Shake well before use. Use at a 1 part concentrate to 4 parts water. Place dilution in a marked spray bottle. Spray entire animal avoiding eyes, mouth and nose. Use a clean cloth to apply to face. Initial treatment, apply daily. As protection builds reapply every 2-3 days as needed. Reapply after animal is washed or in heavy rain. Do not use on foals under 12 weeks of age. Consult a veterinarian before using on debilitated, aged, pregnant or nursing animals. Do not use on horses or foals intended for slaughter.
  • MGK 264 (N-Octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide) 0.4% + MGK 326 (Di-N-Propyl isocinchomeronate) 1.0% + piperonyl butoxide 1.0% + pyrethrins 0.4% (Farnam Roll-On Fly Repellent) - Shake well before using. Apply around the eyes, nose, ears and mouth, but do not put solution directly in eyes, nose or mouth. Do not apply to cuts, wounds or irritated skin. Use 1 time per day at the maximum rate of 25 fl oz. Do not use on foals under 12 weeks of age. Consult a veterinarian before using on debilitated, aged, medicated, pregnant or nursing horses. Do not use on horses or foals intended for slaughter.
  • MGK 326 (Di-N-Propyl isocinchomeronate) 1.0% + piperonyl butoxide 0.5% + pyrethrins 0.2% (Swat Original Fly Repellent Ointment) - Apply thin layer to area. Do not apply directly to wounds or irritation. Do not apply near eyes or mouth. Use sparingly around ears. Do not use on foals under 12 weeks of age. Consult a veterinarian before using on debilitated, aged, pregnant or nursing animals. Do not use on horses or foals intended for slaughter.
  • permethrin 0.25% (Dust) - Can be used in dust bags or shaker can. For direct application, apply 2 oz of dust per animal over the neck, shoulders, back and legs. Use caution when applying to head.
  • permethrin 0.25% (Viper Ready to Use) - Shake well before using. Apply a light mist sufficient enough to wet the surface of the hair (2 oz/animal). Repeat as needed. Avoid getting into eyes. Do not use on humans.
  • permethrin 0.50% (Bio-Groom Repel-35; Fly Rid Plus; Revenge Horse & Stable Fly Spray RTU) - Shake well before using. Apply to clean dry hair. Apply 2 oz per animal via spray. Avoid getting into eyes. Repeat every 4 weeks if needed. Consult a veterinarian before using on pregnant, nursing, sick or geriatric animals. Do not use on humans.
  • permethrin 10.0% (Gordons Permethrin 10 Livestock & Premise Spray) - Apply at 1.28 oz/1 gal water for severe infestations. Spray to thoroughly cover the entire animal. Do not use on foals under three (3) months of age. Do not ride within 24 hr of application. Apply at 0.64 oz/1 gal water for normal infestations. Spray to thoroughly cover the entire animal. Do not use on foals under three (3) months of age. Do not ride within 24 hr of application.
  • permethrin 13.30% (Martin's Permethrin 13.3% Multi-purpose Insecticide) - Dilute 8 oz of concentrate in 66.5 gallons of water. Spray entire animal with approximately 2-4 oz of dilution.
  • permethrin 45.0% (Farnam Equi-spot Spot-on Protection; Celebration Spot-On) -Apply contents of 1 tube as follows: 2 ml (cc) to poll, 0.5 ml (cc) to each side of withers, 1 ml (cc) to each side of the hindquarters, 1 ml (cc) to each leg. Do not reapply for 14 days. Not for use on foals under 3 months of age. Not for use on horses intended for slaughter or human consumption.
  • permethrin 0.10% + piperonyl butoxide 0.50% + prallethrin-ETOC 0.033% (Bronco Equine Fly Spray) - Apply light spray mist. Avoid eyes, nose and mouth. Apply to face with a clean dry cloth. Not for use on horses intended for slaughter. Can also be used as a premise spray.
  • permethrin 0.10% + piperonyl butoxide 0.50% + pyrethrins 0.05% (Ready to use Repel-X; Dumor Equine Fly Spray) - Apply light spray mist to clean dry hair coat. Avoid getting in eyes, nose and mouth. Apply to face with a clean dry cloth. Can also be used as a premise spray. Do not use on animals under 12 weeks of age. Do not apply to horses or foals intended for slaughter.
  • permethrin 0.15% + piperonyl butoxide 0.750% + pyrethrins 0.075% (Power Fly Spray & Wipe; Pyranha Nulli-Fly) - Apply approximately 1-2 oz via spray to clean dry hair coat. Apply to clean cloth to apply to face. Do not use on humans. Do not use on foals under 12 weeks of age. Do not use on horses intended for human consumption.
  • permethrin 0.20% + piperonyl butoxide 0.50% + pyrethrins 0.10% (Raze Crawling & Flying Insect Killer) - Shake before using. Spray about 3 seconds on each side of the animal. Can also be used as a premise spray. This product is toxic to aquatic organisms.
  • permethrin 0.50% + piperonyl butoxide 2.50% + pyrethrins 0.25% (Pyranha Equine Spray & Wipe) - Use full strength. Either spray or wipe-on. Apply light spray mist to hair coat. Reapply in 10-14 days. Reapply after washing or heavy rain. Avoid getting in eyes, nose and mouth. Not for human use. Not for use on horses intended for human consumption.
  • permethrin 7.4% + piperonyl butoxide 7.4% -Pour-on 8 to 16 ml to back and face being cautious of eyes. Pour-on to MATURE horses only. Wipe-on 8 to 16 ml using a damped applicators mitt or towel. Wipe-on can be applied to mature horses and foals. Repeat as needed, but not more than once every two weeks.
  • permethrin 10.00% + piperonyl butoxide 10.00% (Sector Misting Concentrate; Pyranha Stock Guard Concentrate) - Can be applied to the animal. Can also be used as a premise spray. Dilution rates: Normal infestations - 1 part concentrate to 200 parts water (0.64 fl oz per 1 gallon); Maintenace rates - 1 part concentrate to 400 parts water (0.32 fl oz per gallon). Apply to wet the hair paying particular attention to back, withers, flanks and legs. Repeat treatment every 5-12 days.
  • picaridin 20% (Farnam Dual Defense Insect Repellent Horse & Rider) - For use on both horse and human. Horse: 12 hour protection. Hold 4-6 inches away while spraying. Slightly moisten hair coat. Do not apply directly to face, instead spray into hand and wipe on face. Can use two times per day. Not for horses intended for human consumption.
  • piperonyl butoxide 1.0% + pyrethrins 0.10% (Prozap Aqueous Fly Spray RTU) - Apply at a rate of 2 oz per horse spraying to wet the hair.
  • piperonyl butoxide 1.00% + prallethrin-ETOC 0.27% (Repel-XPe Emulsifiable Fly Spray) - Dilute the concentrate in a 1 part concentrate to 7 parts water. Apply approximately 8 oz every 3-4 days. Do not apply more than once per day. Avoid getting in eyes. Do not use on foals under 12 weeks of age unless prescribed by a veterinarian.
  • piperonyl butoxide 4.0% + pyrethrins 0.5% (Prozap LD-44Z Fogger; Durvet Dairy Bomb 55Z) - Can be used on the animal along with premises. From approximately 2 feet away from the animal, spray the animal paying attention to withers, shoulders and back. Avoid getting into eyes. Do not use on sick animals.
  • piperonyl butoxide 5.0% + pyrethrins 0.5% (Dairy Bomb 55; Fly Zap Aerosol Plus) - Can be used as a premise spray as well. To apply to animal, spray for approximately 3 seconds on each side of the animal concentrating on the back, withers and legs. Do not spray in the eyes. Repeat once per day.
  • piperonyl butoxide 25.00% + pyrethrins 5.00% (Riptide Waterbased Pyrethrin ULV) - For direct use on horses, dilute 1 part concentrate with 49 parts water. Mix well and apply light mist to wet the tips of the hair. Repeat 1-2 times daily when needed. Can also be used as a premise spray.
  • piperonyl butoxide 30.0% + pyrethrins 3.0% (Vampyre Misting Concentrate) - Dilute: 4.3 fl oz of concentrate to 1 gallon of water (0.10% dilution). Spray about 3 seconds on each side of the horse focusing on the back, withers and forelegs. Spray dilution on a clean cloth to apply to the face. Avoid the eyes. Repeat at necessary. Can also be used as a premise spray (see label for directions).
  • zeta-cypermethrin (0.075%) + piperonyl butoxide (0.15%) (Python Insecticide Dust)-Apply up to 2 oz per animal evenly in the hair over the head, ears, neck, shoulders, back and tailhead. Do not apply more often than every 3 days. Never use on dogs or cats.