How to protect your horse (and yourself!) from the mozzie plague!
The unusually wet weather of late, combined with warmer temperatures, have been creating the perfect conditions for mosquito breeding in plague proportions! And research tends to suggest that despite the fact that we feel like mozzies are always after us, they actually seem to prefer to target horses and other pets/livestock even more so. So if mozzies are making you and your horses miserable, here are our top tips for keeping them at bay.
1. Grab some protective gear
To stop those bugs from biting - invest in some quality protective gear for you and your horse. For your horse, go for a light cotton summer rug, or a mesh/shadecloth type bug rug. Try the Showcraft Diamond Mesh Insert Rug for a hybrid approach - a cotton rug with mesh inserts will keep your horse cool and protected not only from bugs, but also from sunburn.
To prevent bites and annoyance around those sensitive horsey ears, eyes and noses, a quality fly mask is a must! It's no secret that we love Flyveils By Design for their fit, quality and 70% UV protection. They really are a great investment!
For yourself - choose loose cotton shirts that breathe and protect. If mozzies really seem to like you, long pants and light, long sleeved shirts whilst outdoors are your best bet.
2. Invest in quality bug repellent
Insect repellent products are everywhere, but it's hard to know which to buy. As a general rule - pick a horse specific product for your horse - and avoid using DEET on animals. We love Savvy Touch Faark Off from New Zealand, which contains Neem oil, Eucalyptus oil, Lemon oil, Tea Tree oil and Citronella oil - which basically covers the main recommended natural deterrents!
Alternatively, Donnybrook Hoof has a great Insect Lotion which comes in two varieties - Rosemary and Cedarwood, or Citronella and Lavender.
We also tend to use Faark Off on ourselves - and our two young children (from about 6 months of age to be safe) as it's natural and gentle on sensitive skin. Plus it smells nicer than the chemical based repellents. I find it's the best thing for me (being a sensitive soul!), as it's effective, but doesn't flare up my eczema or asthma!
If you require something a little stronger however, a product containing DEET is your best option. But do a skin test first in case your skin reacts to it, as it is a harsh chemical.
3. Remove or refresh water sources
To reduce the number of mosquitoes breeding around your home and paddocks, empty any sources of stagnant water (such as buckets), and clean and refresh water troughs regularly.
If you have ponds or dams - keep them well stocked with fish.
4. Avoid dawn and dusk
If all else fails, and the mozzies are really driving you nuts(!) it may be worth trying to avoid being outdoors, and out in the paddocks, at dawn and dusk. It can be tricky, as obviously in summer this is when the weather tends to be cooler - so its a matter of weighing up what works best for you.