Crab flies! Does anything keep them at bay?

laupip

laupip

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Oct 16, 2008
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Just had what should have been a lovely hack but one of our horses was getting attacked by the dreaded crab fly. We don't usually get them in our area (south downs near Chichester) but a few other people at local yards have seen them around. I had to get off and pick them from my Mums horses coat as she was getting very stressed by them.
Does anyone have any suggestions of fly spray or a natural remedy that keeps the little blighters away? I thought maybe some of the new forest area riders might have a good idea! Thanks in advance. Any suggestions welcome.
 
This was on another forum, it was suggest that using udder cream/vasaline under the tail and around udders or anywhere the creatures might go to stop them sticking on.

To kill them they best way is by using your nail. It was also suggested to use a sieve and spray a strong washing up liquid solution to make them fall off.
 
These things are the bane of my horses life. He HATES them.

I live in the New Forest and sadly there is no known repellant, however I was told by a local riding school instructor to try a spot on treatment that they use on their horses, so I used it on my cob, it doesnt keep them all away but it definately helped by about 80%. I only put it on him every 5 week in the summer time only.

http://www.farmrite.co.uk/product.php?p=105217

It's a cattle product though so you have to 'own a cow' when buying it' ;)

They sell the horse equivialant in the states but they dont sell it here :mad:
 
I went to try a horse in the new forest a couple of years back. I met the dreaded crab fly. Horrid things. Made the pony buck for gold. Nearly had me off! I didnt buy the pony. Please flys go away.
 
It looks a bit like a flying tick. Thanks for the replies. I hope they go away soon! Fingers crossed they will be off once the weather gets colder. The strange thing is that my horse gets really bothered by most flies especially horse flies but she is not bothered by them whereas my mums horse has no trouble usually but these ones drive her bananas. Maybe because she has a longer coat that they can burrow into.
 
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