Fly traps – the good, the bad, the homemade!

 

The battle against flies and pests often feels like a lesson in futility.  The goal is to attack all stages of the fly life cycle, and traps can help with that.  You can even make your own. 

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In a nutshell, fly traps are awesome. You can buy them, or make your own.

 

 

  • So you have attacked the source of fly food and egg-laying goodness (manure) and provided your horses with a breeze, from fans or the wind! But you still have flies. So time to work on getting rid of the adults flying around.

 

 

sticky fly trap hanging in a barn

A sticky trap version of things.

 

big bag fly trap

This bag holds 40,000 flies. This is a lot of flies. A LOT.

 

 

How to make your own fly traps:

 

  • It’s easy – you only need a few things. A container, some bait (AKA really stinky stuff), and also a place to hang it. Away from the people. A location far away does a few things – keeps the stink away, and lures the flies away from the horses.

 

What you need to make a bottle type fly trap:

 

  • A two-liter bottle. You can also make smaller traps with smaller plastic beverage bottles, but then you may just be making more of them more often.

 

  • Some bait. This is what lures your flies to their doom. Insert ominous music here and also maybe some diabolical laughter. You have a few choices for fly trap bait:

 

    • Decaying fruits and veggies
    • Manure of some sort. Horse, dog, cat. It may not be effective when dried out.
    • A sugar-water solution. Add vinegar or not, your choice.
    • Some sort of meat product. This makes the biggest stink, so good luck with that.

 

fly trap parts

A craft so simple even I can do it.

 

 

It’s that simple. The how-to of making your trap:

 

  • Cut your bottle so that you can separate the top from the bottom, about 1/3 of the way down.

 

  • Fill the bottom with your fly bait of choice.

 

  • You may want to fill the trap with some water and a drop of dish soap to really mix things up. The water and soap will also drow the flies. Fantastic, right?

 

  • Put the top into the bottom upside down and secure with tape.

 

  • Hang your trap!

 

 

Do you use fly traps around the barn? Why or why not?

 

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Use these links to do some shopping for fly control stuff. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no extra cost to you, and I thank you for your support.  You can also visit my Amazon storefront here:  PEG storefront.

Kensington Protective Fly Boots (Pair)
$39.85

Banish the stomping!

12/10/2024 09:53 pm GMT
Fly Whisk
$39.95

For *mostly* bug free riding

12/11/2024 05:53 am GMT
Farnam Equi-Spot, Horse Fly and Tick Control, 12-Week Supply for One Horse
$27.49 $25.99

This spot-on product kills and repels ticks and helps with mosquito control.

12/11/2024 06:13 am GMT
Cashel Quiet Ride Horse Fly Mask with Long Nose and Ears
$31.95 $29.99

This style is great for riding!

12/11/2024 07:30 am GMT
HORZE Supreme Silent Crochet Ear Bonnet
$25.99

If your horse can't hear it, it won't eat them.

12/10/2024 11:18 pm GMT
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Sweet Itch Shield Combo Neck
$109.14

Sweet itch is best battled by not letting those annoying midges bite your horse.

12/11/2024 07:14 am GMT
Schneiders Adjusta-Fit Mosquito Mesh Hybrid
$241.99

For horses with sweet itch and other insect allergies, more coverage is better.

12/11/2024 03:19 am GMT
LeMieux Classic Ear Bonnet Hunter Green
$47.95

LeMieux has more colors than the paint section of a hardware store. I promise they have one you like!

12/10/2024 11:08 am GMT
Rub Protector Lycra Fly Mask GG Equine

These fly masks are fantastic for protecting ears and eyes, and do great under halters and grazing muzzles to stop rubs and hairless patches.


Use code 15PROEQUINE for a sitewide discount on muzzles, halters, accessories, and slow feeders.

 

Thank you!

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