The Best Way to Rid a Horse of Black Horseflies

The large, aggressive horsefly can negatively affect a horse's health and well-being. The fly's painful bites can leave the horse vulnerable to infection and cause it to become distressed as it attempts to flee the flies. Typically, between 3/4 and 1 1/4 inches long, a female horsefly will feed on pooled blood created when it bites through the horse's flesh, leaving behind a painful inflamed sore.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly spray
  • Fly sheet
  • Horse shelter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply a commercial fly spray to the horse's coat to prevent flies and other bugs from landing on the horse. Avoid spraying the horse's head because the chemicals in the spray can be irritating to eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Dampen a soft cloth with the fly spray and gently rub it over the horse's cheeks and ears, avoiding the eyes and nostrils. Soak the cloth and wipe over the horse's body if it is anxious about being sprayed. Sprays with a permethrin base will be most effective.

    • 2

      Dress the horse in a mesh fly sheet, which allows the horse to stay cool while physically preventing black horseflies and other bugs from landing on the animal's flesh. Fly sheets come in a wide variety of styles and materials. Some cover only the main body, while others include a belly wrap, tail flap or neck cover. Add a mesh fly mask to cover the horse's face and ears, and mesh fly boots if the flies are biting the horse's legs.

    • 3

      Turn out the horses overnight rather than during the day or provide plenty of shade. Horseflies are most active when the sun is bright and warm, leading the horse to find relief in shaded areas. Remove standing water, manure and mud from the horse's living area, if possible, as it will help reduce the breeding ground for flies.