Horse-Lice

Including

Horse biting louse (Damalinia equi)
Horse sucking louse (Haematopinus asini)

Pest description and damage There are two types of lice in the Pacific Northwest important to the horse; the biting louse and the blood sucking louse. The blood sucking lice are more injurious because heavy infections mean a large loss of blood that may seriously weaken the animal. Lice occur in largest numbers in the winter months when hair is long. Infections spread from animal to animal in adjacent stalls and around mangers. Sucking lice are usually found on the head, neck, back and inner surface of the thighs. Biting lice may be found anywhere on the body, although they seem to occur in greatest numbers around the withers and the base of the tail. The biting lice feed on the hair and scales from the skin.

  • butoxypolypropylene glycol (5%) (Endure sweat resistant spray)-Thoroughly brush the hair coat to remove loose dirt. Spray the entire body liberally. Reapply every 5 to 7 days. As protection builds up, reapply every 10-14 days. Not for use on horses intended for human consumption.
  • 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 of 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 at 2 quarts/50 gal water or 5 oz/4 gal water. Apply to runoff. Treat thoroughly all wounds and injuries. Do not exceed six treatments per year. Allow at least 10 days between treatments.
  • cypermethrin (0.15%) + pyrethrins (0.20%) + piperonyl butoxide (1.63%) + Di-n-propyl isocinchomeronate (0.50%) + butoxypolypropylene glycol (4.85%) (Endure Roll-on and Sweat-resistant fly spray; Repel X)-Apply or wipe the horse's entire body at a rate not to exceed 11 ounces per animal. Use a soft cloth to apply to face. Reapply every 5 to 7 days. As protection builds application can be done every 10 to 14 days. Do not use on horses intended for slaughter. Use only in well ventilated areas. Do not allow adults, children or pets to contact the treated surfaces until spray has dried.
  • diflubenzuron (3.0%) + permethrin (5.0%) (Clean-up II Pour-on Insecticide with IGR)-Shake well before use. Apply at a rate of 3 ml/100 lb of body weight with a maximum of 30 ml per animal. Apply to legs, shoulders, neck, back and facial areas. Not for use in misting systems.
  • permethrin 10% (Gordon's Permethrin 10) at 1.3 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 hours of application.
  • permethrin 10% (Gordon's Permethrin 10)-Apply at 6.7 oz/1 gal water for severe infestations. Spray to thoroughly cover the entire animal. A second treatment 14 to 21 days later is recommended. Do not use on foals under 3 months of age. Do not ride within 24 hours of application.
  • 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.
  • zeta-cypermethrin 0.075% 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.