Livestock Insects–Horses

Mosquitoes

John B. Campbell

Mosquitoes are a serious problem for horses because they transmit encephalitis (primarily eastern and western strains) and most recently, West Nile virus.  Vaccinations are available for these diseases and should be given in the spring prior to the advent of mosquitoes.  West Nile virus requires two shots about 14 days apart.  Black flies attack horses in the ears and insecticides or salves can be used to treat in the ears.  Horse and deer flies (Tabanids) would require the same treatments as do cattle but use only insecticides labeled for horses.  Insecticides approved for use on horses are listed at the end of this chapter.

 

Insecticides Suggested for Treatment of Flies on Horses:

Insecticide

Application

Method

Application

Rate

Restrictions and comments

 

Coumaphos

(Co-Ral)

 

 

(Co-Ral Fly and

Tick Spray)

 

 

(Co-Ral)

 

 

Spray or

Sponge

 

Spray

 

 

 

Spray

 

 

11.6 % ELI

1 pt/25 gal water

 

6.5 % EC

2 qt/50 gal water or

10 oz/4 gal water

 

25 % WP

4 oz/12.5 gal water

 

 

Restricted-use Pesticide

 

 

For horses not intended for slaughter.

No more than 6 treatments per year, no less than 10 days apart.

 

Fenvalerate

(Ectrin)

 

 

Spray

 

 

10 % WDL

2 oz/12 gal water

 

 

Apply 8 oz of diluted spray per horse.

Do not apply to horses intended for slaughter.

Methoxychlor

 

Spray or wipe-on

0.05 % Ready to use

 

 

Follow label instructions.

Permethrin

(Atroban)

 

 

 

(Buss Off)

 

 

 

(Ectiban)

 

 

 

(Gardstar)

 

 

(Permectrin II)

 

Spray

 

 

 

Wipe-on,

Spray or Pour-on

 

Spray

 

 

 

Spray

 

 

Spray

 

11 % EC

1 pt/25 gal water or

3 tbsp/2.5 gal water

 

7.4 % Permethrin +

7.4 % PBO

 

 

5.7 % EC

1 qt/25 gal water or

22 tbsp/1 gal water

 

40 % EC

5-12.5 ml/2 gal water

 

10 % EC

2 oz/3 gal water

 

Spray to thoroughly wet animal. Repeat every 10-14 days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repeat application every 14 days.

 

 

 

Apply 30-60 ml per horse.

 

 

Spray thoroughly to wet horse. Repeat in 14-21 days.

Pyrethrins

Mist, spray

or wipe-on

0.05-1.0 % Pyrethrins

+ Piperonyl Butoxide

Many formulations of

ready to use.

Follow label instructions.

Stirofos

(Rabon)

 

Feed Additive

 

7.76 % ROL

 

Follow label directions.

Horn and face fly control only.

The information herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and that listing of commercial products, necessary to this guide, implies no endorsement by the authors or the Extension Services of Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming or Montana. Criticism of products or equipment not listed is neither implied nor intended. Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the Extension Services can assume no liability for the suggested use of chemicals contained herein. Pesticides must be applied legally complying with all label directions and precautions on the pesticide container and any supplemental labeling and rules of state and federal pesticide regulatory agencies. State rules and regulations and special pesticide use allowances may vary from state to state: contact your State Department of Agriculture for the rules, regulations and allowances applicable in your state and locality.

 

 

Categories: Livestock insects, Horses, Mosquitoes

 

Date: 03/25/2003