Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
There are many forms of insecticides and repellents. Long-term residual insecticides last
up to 6 weeks and are applied on fly resting sites, such as rafters and bushes. Fogs and
mists are to be used daily and are either expelled into the barn air using an automatic timer
or applied to the horse's body with a handheld mister. Impregnated strips are useful for en-
closed areas such as tack rooms, feed rooms, and offices.
Fly sheets and masks come in many styles and provide protection from flies, ultravi-
olet rays, and dirt. Dickens
(left)
sports a model with ear and neck protection, while
Zinger, the matriarch, is stylish in her tropical blue, pink, and green ensemble.
Protect your horse.
You can further protect your horse from flies and other biting insects
with fly gear and repellents. Repellents are available as sprays, lotions, wipe-ons, gels,
dusting powders, ointments, roll-ons, shampoos, and towelettes. Repellents contain a sub-
stance irritating to flies, such as oil of citronella, and most contain some amount of insect-
icide (mostly pyrethrins and permethrins) as well.
Repellents can be water, oil, or alcohol based. Oil-based repellents remain on the hair
shaft longer but the oil attracts dirt. Water-based repellents don't last as long but attract
