Saturday 10 October 2015

How to Protect Your Horse from Mosquitoes



Mosquitoes are not only  a nuisance but also  a severe  health threat to your horse. Weather conditions play a key  role in the breeding of mosquitoes, .It is not possible to control the weather, but you can take measures to protect your horse. In addition, make sure her vaccinations are current for illnesses mosquitoes transmit; requirements can change when mosquitoes are particularly bad.
Fully enclosed barns and stalls are not healthy for your horse because of the dust and lack of air circulation, especially if your horse has a respiratory condition. The best way is to  put screens on outside windows, and  also to install fans in the aisle and in the stalls to prevent  mosquitoes from landing and feeding on your horse. It would be better to keep your horse inside at dusk, a time when mosquitoes are most active, and keep him in through the night during the most active mosquito months in your state.
Outerwear
Tips to Protect your Horse from  Mosquitoes
Tips to Protect your Horse from  Mosquitoes

Fly sheets, boots and masks can help a great deal in  protecting your horse from mosquitoes, so use as much as possible—if he’s in a pasture with a lot of trees or other horses who like to rip off clothing, you may go through a lot during the season. Get flymasks with ear coverings for higher  protection; if possible get ones with longer noses to more fully protect your horse’s face. The material is a light mesh so it’s as if your horse is wearing a lightweight screen. It gives the added benefit of providing protection from the sun so your horse’s coat won’t fade and his skin won’t burn.
Moisture and Water
The best way to protect your horse from mosquitoes is to make his living area as inhospitable as possible for the mosquitoes. Cut tall grass so that the  ground can drain more efficiently and so mosquitoes can't hide in the grass, especially at drain pipes . make sure any leaky pipes or faucets are fixed. Empty, turn over or remove any containers that can hold standing water; clean out his water troughs at least once a week. Be sure you drain any old tires laying around. Empty and change water in birdbaths and plant pots, and if you have a swimming pool make sure it’s properly maintained. If you have a kiddie pool either change water weekly or store the pool upright when it’s raining. Don’t forget to cover your trash containers, or poke holes in the bottoms so the water will drain. Even tree stumps can collect water and offer a breeding ground, so fill them with sand or cement.
Chemicals
You can spray the barn, the surrounding environment and your horse with pesticides to deter mosquitoes. Automatic spraying systems work on many flying insects, including mosquitoes. Look for a pyrethoid-based insecticide. You can also use roll-on and spot topical applications for your horse, which are convenient for the face and around the ears. Many of them last longer than sprays. You’ll get more effective control if you use chemicals in combination with other control measures.

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