Sweet Itch & Eczema Rugs

The perfect rug for horses that suffer Eczema, Sweet Itch or have very sensitive skin.
- Ultimate protection
- Quick dry
- Sweat absorption
- Anti bacterial
- Comes with a neckpiece

Protect your horse against insects

Insect protection is vital for horses to prevent disease transmission, skin infections, and parasite infestations caused by flies, mosquitoes, ticks and midges. It also improves their overall comfort by reducing constant irritation, leading to behaviours like head shaking and tail swishing. You should pay particular attention to the forelegs, chest, neck, belly, hindlegs and flanks for signs of flies, as well as the lips, jaw and throat when checking your horse. 

Without protection, horses are at risk of painful bites, eye irritation, allergic reactions, and the development of serious illnesses such as Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) or Pigeon Fever.  

How does each insect affect your horses health?

Flies
Biting flies can cause painful bites, leading to infections and allergic reactions. They are particularly aggressive and often disturb horses during feeding or resting.

Bot flies will lay yellow eggs on your horses legs and body. If your horse indigest these eggs, the eggs will hatch and the bot larvae will attach to your horses stomach lining. Flies also lay eggs in your horses eye which can lead to hibernoma infection. We definitely recommend that you use a food quality fly mask and fly sheet.

Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes not only cause irritating bites but can also transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus and equine encephalitis. West Nile Virus (WNV) affects a horse's central nervous system, causing a range of signs from mild to fatal, including muscle tremors, weakness, and incoordination. 

Ticks
Ticks are notorious for transmitting diseases like Lyme disease, which poses a significant threat to horses in natural environments. Tick born diseases can be fatal and lead to anaemia in some cases.

How to prevent equine pests?

Pest prevention requires active practices and routines to make your treatment as effective as possible. Here are some ideas for good yard management against insects and flies.

1. MANURE MANAGEMENT 

Clear away manure regularly. The wet, odorous remnants are the biggest welcome any fly needs. Stable care requires manure removal and exposure to sunlight to completely dry out. This will substantially reduce flies in stables and areas near your horse.

2. CLEAN WATER 

Clean and daily fresh water troughs is important in order to avoid diseased spread by mosquitoes. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

3. PROTECTIVE GEAR 

Use fly sheets and fly masks. These pieces of protective gear not only shield horses from harsh heat and sunshine but will also provide a protective barrier on prime areas for pest biting and laying. 

4. FLY REPELLENT 

It is imperative to prevent flies and use effective measures to keep flies at bay for the health and safety of your horse. General pest control methods also extend to eliminating breeding material (standing water and manure), controlling moisture, using various forms of mechanical control. 

5. INSECT DETERRENTS 

Use essential oils such a citronella and geranium to deter insects away. Spray essential oils in your stables on a weekly basis. Plant insect deterring plants near all windows and doors of the stables.

6. PEST CONTROL

A routine to control flies and insects will include surface sprays, air sprays, bait and other methods. Checkout all our pest control products.

Shop our protective fly gear and our fly product range.

FAQ's

Why is fly protection important?

A fly sheet is important for horses asa protective barrier against flies and other biting insects, preventing skin irritation, allergic reactions like sweet itch, and discomfort.

Why is a well-fitted rug important?

A well-fitted rug is crucial for a horse's comfort, safety, and overall health,preventing issues like rubbing, chafing, and skin sores from a poorly fitted rug, while also allowing for natural movement and preventing muscle strain or other injuries from a rug that is too tight.

What is the most common injury in horses?

Most injuries occur in the paddock due to ill-fitting fly rugs, loose fly blanket buckles or fly sheets that are too big.

Why do stables have flies?

The smell of ammonia, poop, horse sweat and fermenting food attract flies.

What is the best way to reduce flies?

Use of fly poison, essential oils, fly repellent, fly catchers and fly deterring plants.

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