Pest Control for Horses | Keep Your Horse Protected

Use a combination of fly sprays, masks, sheets, and traps, along with monitoring tools like a fly scope to reduce pest populations.

Fly scopes track fly activity, helping you understand when and where flies are most active. Both fly scope horses and spring scope horse versions are useful for turnout and barn areas.

Yes, many sprays and protective fly gear are safe for daily use. Always follow product instructions for the best results.

Yes, fly masks can prevent bites from mosquitoes and midges in addition to flies.

State Line Tack recommends a multi-layered approach to equine pest management by combining physical, chemical, and biological barriers. High-turnout environments require heavy-duty fly sheets—breathable mesh blankets designed to block biting flies, gnats, and UV rays—alongside targeted chemical applications. Our collection features high-efficacy fly sprays like Pyranha Wipe N Spray and Absorbine UltraShield EX, paired with feed-through fly control supplements that break the insect breeding cycle directly in the manure.

Choosing between topical repellents and protective fly gear depends on your horse's workload and environment:

• Chemical Fly Repellents: Water-resistant or oil-based sprays bind to the hair coat. Top-tier options like Absorbine UltraShield provide immediate knockdown and residual protection, making them ideal for riding, training, or active work where a physical sheet might cause overheating.
• Fly Sheets & Apparel: Protective mesh gear, including fly masks and sheets, provides non-stop defense without chemical absorption. Gear built with durable 1000-denier textilene mesh (a PVC-coated polyester fabric) offers maximum tear resistance and UV blockage during long pasture turnout sessions.

Achieving an exact fit prevents shoulder rubs and keeps the sheet aligned while your horse rolls in the pasture. To measure your horse, use a flexible fabric tape measure starting at the center of the chest, running horizontally along the side of the barrel to the widest point of the rump just before the tail. Use this standard sizing scale to match your horse's measurement to the correct sheet size:

Routine maintenance preserves the fabric strength and protective lifespan of your fly gear while protecting your horse's skin.

⚠️ Warning: Never allow dirt and grimy buildup to sit long-term on a fly mask or sheet. Dried debris can cause painful skin infections or rub against delicate eyes, potentially leading to corneal ulcers. Always ensure ear coverings allow a full, comfortable range of motion.