By Jennifer Roberts
We all love spending time in the barn with our horses; but sometimes, the bugs can, well, bug us. While flies may be a fact of life, we can limit population their numbers, allowing us to enjoy the time that we spend in the barn even more. Check out our quick tips for telling the bugs to “Bug Off” this summer:
Keep It Clean
While it may seem like a no brainer, keeping your stalls clean and dry will make it considerably less enticing to the flies. Manure is a tasty snack, and warm moist environments make the perfect place to lay eggs. Consistent stall cleaning will significantly cut down on the amount of flies in the barn. (Pro Tip: Clean the sunny stalls first! Flies like light areas and tend to avoid the dark stalls.)
Keep It Fresh
Consider using a horse stall refresher, such at Sweet PDZ in your stalls. In helping to manage the moisture content, it’s drying effect and sharp surface area dries and kills many insects. Sweet PDZ is a safe, organic and natural alternative to add to your pest control programs. Sweet PDZ is not an insecticide.
Keep It Covered
From garbage to grain, flies are always on the lookout for their next meal. Keep potential foodstuffs covered and sealed to keep them out (it’s also far more sanitary to keep all critters away from the grain!).
Keep It Moving
Consider using fans to keep air circulating throughout the barn. This will deter flies from landing, encouraging them to find a new place to hang out. And, let’s face it; a little breeze on a warm day is always welcome!
Keep It Dry
Standing water attracts flies, so keep it out and away from the barn! Make sure that all drains are working properly and directing water away from the barn. If water is spilled, use shavings or horse stall refresher to absorb the extra moisture before it can draw in the extra insects!
Keep It In Perspective
Unfortunately flies are a fact of life around the barn, however you can limit their numbers. Follow these tips and send the bugs flying!
Sweet PDZ has been keeping stalls healthy for over 33 years and continues to be the leading horse stall freshener on the market. This organic (OMRI Listed), non-toxic mineral captures, neutralizes and eliminates harmful levels of ammonia and odors. Sweet PDZ is a far superior alternative to lime products for ammonia removal and moisture absorption. For more information, visit SweetPDZ.com, and visit Manna Pro Products at MannaPro.com for a dealer locator.
Owner/Publisher Karen’s lifelong love of horses began at a very early age when she wore out a couple of rocking horses before convincing her parents to get her the real thing. That ill-tempered bay gelding, Brandy, was a challenge for the young horsewoman, but it drove her ambition to become a horse trainer. After attending Canyonview Equestrian College’s Horsemanship Program, Karen realized she needed work that was a little more lucrative than training, so she took a job with Customs Brokerage to pay the bills. There, she discovered an affinity for computers and a talent for creating informative, entertaining newsletters. The Northwest Horse Source began as such a letter in December 1995, with a distribution of 1000 copies for its 12 black and white pages. Now 25 years later, it’s an online magazine and website with a reach of over 10,000 per month and growing! Not bad for the results of one woman’s dream to work with horses!
Today, Karen remains involved with every aspect of the magazine and treasures the community of thousands who share a common passion. Now excited to start a version of her original magazine in Colorado!