How Can I Get Rid of Horseflies?

Horseflies can be difficult to control because they are strong, active fliers and can travel considerable distances in search of a blood meal. The best approach is usually to reduce the number of horseflies around people and animals and to monitor their activity.

Use a Horsefly Trap

One of the most effective ways of reducing horsefly activity around outdoor areas is to use a specialist horsefly trap.

Horsefly traps work by attracting horseflies and intercepting them before they reach people or animals. They can be particularly useful around gardens, paddocks, stables, riding areas and other locations where horseflies are a problem.

Trap placement is important. Position the trap in an open area where horseflies are active and away from the areas where people or animals spend most of their time.

Reduce Areas Where Horseflies Can Breed

Horseflies lay their eggs in areas such as vegetation and damp ground, and their larvae develop in wet or moist environments.

Where practical, reducing unnecessary areas of standing water and managing overgrown vegetation can help make the surrounding environment less attractive to horseflies.

Protect People and Animals

When horseflies are particularly active, physical protection can also help reduce bites.

Longer clothing can provide additional protection for people, while appropriate fly protection and management can help protect horses and other animals.

Horseflies are often most active during warm, bright weather, so taking additional precautions during periods of high activity can be particularly useful.

Monitor Horsefly Activity

Monitoring can help you understand when and where horseflies are most active.

Specialist horsefly traps can be used to monitor activity as well as to reduce the number of horseflies in an area.

By checking trap catches regularly, you can identify periods of higher activity and determine whether control measures are having an effect.

Where Should a Horsefly Trap Be Placed?

Horsefly traps are generally most effective when positioned in open areas where horseflies are likely to pass through.

Avoid placing the trap directly beside people or animals. Instead, position it between the area where horseflies are coming from and the area you are trying to protect.

For larger areas such as paddocks or stables, more than one trap may be appropriate depending on the size and layout of the site.

Can Horsefly Traps Get Rid of All Horseflies?

No single control method is likely to eliminate every horsefly from a large outdoor area.

Horseflies can travel from surrounding areas, meaning that new flies can continue to arrive throughout the season.

However, strategically positioned traps can help reduce horsefly numbers and provide valuable information about the level of activity in a particular area.

Need Help With Horseflies?

If horseflies are causing problems around your home, garden, stables or paddocks, identifying the level of activity is the first step towards choosing the right control approach.

Sentomol provides specialist horsefly monitoring and control products designed to help reduce horsefly activity.

And as always, if you have any questions, simply get in touch with us and we can give you advice based on our experience.

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