why is he itching?? flie bites??

[my 'romeo']

hi, my 3 year old gelding has started itching his tail alot, he also rubs his neck on the side of the stable when i bring him in 4 his feed. he also bites around his sheath area where the flies are and makes it sore. i am sure it is the flies what are irritating him, ive used various fly sprays but they dont work. i dont think a fly rug would help as it wont cover his sheath, any ideas any1???? thanx

[gypsygold]

Sweetitch sounds likely. Is that something you have already considered?

[gypsygold]

Sorry that wasnt a very full reply. Flies are a nuisance and an irritant but once away from the irritant (in stable) then usually no problem. However as you say he is irritated after he has come in and is rubbing his mane on his stable it sounds more like an allergic reaction to bites - usually midges(cullocoides?) . As the body is setting up an immune response to the bites the itch continues. It commonly affects the mane and tail but no reason why it couldnt affect other areas. Therefore I would consider Sweetitch as a likely cause.

[jazzybear]

It does sound like sweetitch to be honest. How long have you had him?x

[misseymoo]

Hi
I have been having problems with horse flies biting my horse.A trainer from Africa told me to dissolve a teaspoon of Marmite in hot water and mix it in with a hand full of feed and give this daily to my horse.I have been doing this for a week now . The horse loves the Marmite and the flies are leaving her alone.For sweet itch and midge bites,I was told to wash the areas with vinegar and rinse.This also seems to be working ! Hope this advice helps others.

[Hanhan]

Hi
I have been having problems with horse flies biting my horse.A trainer from Africa told me to dissolve a teaspoon of Marmite in hot water and mix it in with a hand full of feed and give this daily to my horse.I have been doing this for a week now . The horse loves the Marmite and the flies are leaving her alone.For sweet itch and midge bites,I was told to wash the areas with vinegar and rinse.This also seems to be working ! Hope this advice helps others.

I might have to try the marmite thing! Has it really worked that quickly, and the flies are staying away? My big boy has loads of bites at the moment. He seems more irritated in the field than the stable.

When talking about the vinegar solution, do you mean just normal malt vinegar?