As summer brings an influx of flies, managing their presence around horses requires a multi-faceted approach. Key strategies include maintaining clean stables and pastures by removing manure daily, cleaning water sources, sealing feed, and ensuring proper drainage to reduce fly breeding grounds. Using high-quality topical fly repellents, such as those containing natural fatty acids, can effectively deter flies. Biological controls like feed-through additives and beneficial insects (e.g., Fly Predators) help interrupt the fly life cycle by targeting larvae and pupae.

Additionally, equipping horses with protective gear such as fly masks, boots, and sheets provides physical barriers against flies, while strategic turnout times—favoring cooler, less buggy periods—and enhancing barn airflow with fans can further reduce fly annoyance. Combining these methods through Integrated Pest Management (IPM), starting early in the season, and coordinating with neighbors in agricultural areas offers the best chance to keep horses comfortable and fly-free throughout the summer.