From house flies, to horse flies, to mosquitos and many more, flying insects have been disrupting both humans and horses for thousands of years now. While they can disturb your equines peaceful pasture time, they can also interrupt the time you have to yourself around the barn. In addition to being annoying, these insects also carry hundreds of diseases, posing a threat to the health of your beloved animals. And while it may be impossible to create a farming atmosphere completely free of these nuisances, there are a few steps you can take to minimize their numbers around your metal horse barn.
What Harm Can Be Caused by Flies?
From summer sores and Pigeon Fever, to West Nile Virus and Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), there are hundreds of diseases carried by flies and other insects. And while most symptoms aren’t usually recognized right away, it’s important that you have your horses checked regularly for any harm caused by flies or mosquitos. If left untreated, the symptoms of these diseases can be life-threatening to your equine family.
Steps to Decrease the Number of Flies in Your Steel Horse Barn
We understand how difficult and annoying it may be to have to deal with flies and mosquitos around your steel horse barn. But by following all or most of the steps we’ve listed out below, you can decrease the overall number of flies and other insects that call your prefab horse barn home sweet home.
- Proper Manure Management – One of the best ways to keep your stalls clean and well-maintained is to remove all manure and wet bedding each day. In addition to eliminating the odor that attracts flies, removing the wet bedding and keeping your stalls clean will remove the warm, moist environment that flies tend to lay eggs in.
- Consider Using Fly Parasites – In addition to following proper manure management, you could also try using fly parasites. These tiny insects are the natural enemy for all types of flies. They adapt to most every climate and do not sting or bite humans or animals. You can spread these parasites along your fence lines, manure piles, and other wet areas that may be the perfect place for flies to lay eggs.
- Feed Through Fly-Control Products – This kind of product includes insect growth regulators that keeps fly eggs from hatching or growing. And while these parasites are harmful to flies, you won’t have to worry about them harming your horses.
- Use Fly Traps – Another excellent way to catch flies in and out of your prefab horse barn is a fly trap. These traps are perfect for luring insects in and trapping them on their sticky surface. However, if you opt for fly traps, be sure to hang them outside the barn as you want to lure the flies away from your unit and your horses.
- Try Horse Fly Spray Systems – If you’re fighting horse flies inside your metal horse barn, consider using a premise spray. These sprays can help knock out any flies and other insects that are using your barn as a home and will keep other insects from coming in. With premise sprays, you’ll want to focus on the doors and windows of your barn as you want to make sure the flies will no longer enter the structure. You can also invest in a horse-friendly fly spray that you spray over their body to keep flies from landing on and irritating them.
- Get a Horse Fly Mask and Fly Sheets – If your main concern with flies is the condition of your horse, consider investing in a fly mask, fly sheet, or leg wraps to keep them protected. These products are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to help horses of all kinds.
- Re-evaluate Your Daily Cleaning and Maintenance – Finally, you should consider the ways you’ve been maintaining your barn. If you aren’t following proper protocols, you may need to find new ways to take care of both your horse barn and your equine. For example, changing out wet bedding, getting rid of manure, feeding them properly, etc.
Here at Metal Barn Central, we understand how important it is that you keep both your steel horse barn and your equine family in tip-top shape. And by following the steps we’ve listed above, you can guarantee the health of your horses and the lifespan of your prefab metal horse barn. If you would like to know more about investing in a reliable, affordable steel barn or how to properly maintain your current one, give us a call today at +1 980-321-9898.
