Prevention of Sweet Itch in Horses

The Culicoides midge -- also called no-see-ums -- causes the allergic dermatitis in horses known as "sweet itch." The saliva of these tiny, biting gnats produces a localized irritation in a sensitive horse that is intensely pruritic -- itching -- resulting in the animal rubbing itself and creating sores. To protect your horse against this skin infection, preparations need to begin in the spring at the beginning of fly season and continue through the fall, when the midge larvae begin to die out.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly sheet, fly mask and fly wraps
  • Fan
  • Fine, mesh screen
  • Barn insecticidal mist system
  • Insecticidal body spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stable your horse at dusk and dawn when the midges are feeding the heaviest. You can turn back out in full daylight or after dark.

    • 2

      Cover your horse in a lightweight fly sheet, fly mask and fly wraps when it is out in the pasture or paddock area. Made with cool, open-weave mesh fabric, these products protect your mount's body, head and legs from being bitten.

    • 3

      Place a fan in the top of your horse's stall. Constant airflow prohibits the Culicoides midge from biting because they are poor flyers.

    • 4

      Position fine mesh screens over the windows and openings of the stall to prevent the midges from flying in to bite your animal.

    • 5

      Stable your horse away from the ponds, marshes and lakes where the Culicoides breeds. Contact the entomologists at your local county extension service on their recommendations for killing the larvae.

    • 6

      Install a time-operated insecticidal mist system in your barn. Modified permethrin and some natural sprays are known to be effective against flies and midges. Spray the area daily.

    • 7

      Spray your horse's tail, chest, legs, mane and neck with an oil-based insecticidal spray containing benzyl benzoate every two to three days. Oily sprays stay on the skin and hair longer than water-based insecticides.