>>I seem to have a fly problem in my goat shed, i don't know if it's just because we've had so much rain this week but the poor things are getting eaten alive.
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>>I put some insect repellant on them because i figured it was better than getting eaten by flys.
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>>Does anyone have any suggestions for fly control, other than the common methods?
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>>Thanks

WIsh I could help you here but we're having problems with them also! Actually, we've got the little black flies and buffalo gnats...fun, fun!

In the past with my goats I've used my horse fly sprays, and always provide a shady area for them to get into. Something I've learned from my husband is that despite my tendency to call flies flies, there are actually many different types, some harmless others meaner than sin. MOST biting flies will not fly into a dark barn or area. However, they will ride an animal into it so its not foolproof. Another thing that can deter them is fast moving air. If you can set up a good fan where the goats can lay under or in front of it, that will help too.

There are also rub on insecticides that are made primarily for cattle, but goats can use them too. I don't know first hand how well they work.

And then when possible, you want to eliminate breeding grounds. Some flies lay their eggs in manure but many of the biting flies, including horse flies, need water like puddles, creeks, etc. And of course skeeters also use stagnant water. So if you have buckets or natural water catches, try elimating what you can and flush out the others every other day or so. In larger ponds, tanks, etc. you can stock it with fish, promote movement with fountains or pumps, or they even sell little pond things that float and kill the bugs but not the fish.

Good luck!


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PH Cody
HorseHobbyist Site Coordinator

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