Insecticide For Horses

In the past, horse owners had to rely on trying to kill adult insects and larvae with insecticides in their pastures. While killing adult insects and larvae is important for the survival of the horse, using insecticides in the pasture is not enough.

Insecticide For Horses

Several species of nuisance and blood-feeding flies, lice, and ticks attack horses from spring through fall. Key pests can vary regionally and are greatly affected by seasonal weather. In many cases, the breeding sites or sources cannot be managed so efforts must be directed at protecting the animals. A wide range of products are available but most contain only one or two common active ingredients. This publication provides representative types of products and points to consider in selecting control measures.

While there seems to be a bewildering array of products, the list of active ingredients on each label will allow you to sort through them and look for similarities and differences. This information appears in a box below the brand name and includes the common name of the active ingredients (a.i.) and its % concentration. Each insecticide active ingredient has a common name (e.g. pyrethrins) that will let you recognize exactly what the product contains. Most have one or more of 3 main active ingredients. Often, additives are included to extend the length of protection or to provide some other feature to set the product apart from competitors.

The most common active ingredients in products labeled for pest control on horses are pyrethrins and pyrethroids. Pyrethrins are chemicals with insecticidal properties that are extracted from the flowers of some species of Chrysanthemum. Pyrethrins provide very quick knockdown of insect pests and are safe for use on animals. Piperonyl butoxide is a synergist that is included in products to increase effectiveness; however, pyrethrins are broken down by sunlight so the residual protection lasts for only a few hours. The pyrethroids cypermethrin, permethrin, and resmethrin are synthetic forms based on natural pyrethrins. They are more stable than pyrethrins so protection from an application typically lasts for several days. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids work against a wide range of horse pests from flies and gnats to ticks and lice. They affect the nervous system of these arthropods, sometimes causing them to leave before they finish feeding.

Representative products in this publication are grouped by application method and listed in increasing concentration of active ingredient. In general, the higher the concentration of active ingredients in a product, the longer the protection it affords. Products listed as concentrates must be diluted before use but may provide a more economical means of pest control in some situations. Check to be sure that the pests you want to control are listed on the label.

Thoroughly brush horses before treatment to remove excess dirt and dust. Then, apply products over areas to be protected while brushing lightly against lay of the hair. Pay special attention to legs, belly, shoulders, neck, and face. Follow label instructions to protect yourself from exposure to the product when treating. Always apply to the face as a wipe and keep the insecticide away from eyes and mucous membranes. Check the label directions for re-treatment intervals. Also, look for age restrictions, some products should not be applied to foals under 3 months of age. Reapply each time the animal is washed or exposed to heavy rain.

Sensitivity may occur after using any insecticide on animals. If signs of sensitivity occur, bathe your horse with a mild, non-insecticidal shampoo, and rinse with large amounts of water. Talk with your veterinarian immediately if signs continue.

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Sprays and Wipes often come ready-to-use a in pump-spray bottle. The ingredients may be misted on or applied with a sponge, cloth, or glove wipe.

Cypermethrin

Permethrin

Pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide

Resmethrin

Insecticide For Horses

The pasture is a horse’s natural habitat, but it can also be a breeding ground for insects. Insects can attack the skin of your horse and lead to itchiness, irritation, and even infection. To prevent this from happening, you should regularly apply insecticides to your horse’s pastures.

Insecticides are available in liquid form or as granules that you spread over the ground. You can find both types at your local feed store. Liquid insecticides typically contain pyrethrins or permethrin as their active ingredients. Granular insecticides usually contain carbaryl or diazinon. All of these chemicals are toxic to insects but harmless to mammals such as horses and humans when applied in small amounts on grassy areas where they will not be accidentally ingested by animals or humans who come into contact with them.

List Of Insecticide For Horses