Did you know that good stable management is one of the best ways to control flies? By removing the places where flies breed and keeping everything clean, you can dramatically reduce fly numbers around your pony!
Why flies love stables
Flies breed in manure, dirty bedding, spilled feed, and standing water. A single fly can lay hundreds of eggs, which hatch into more flies within days. This means that even a small amount of mess can quickly turn into a big fly problem!
Daily stable cleaning
The most important fly control step is keeping your pony’s stable clean. Here’s what you should do daily:
Muck out thoroughly: Remove all droppings and wet bedding every single day. Don’t just pick out the obvious bits, as flies can breed in even small amounts of manure.
Remove uneaten feed: Don’t leave old hay or spilled concentrate lying around. Rotting feed attracts flies.
Keep water clean: Change water buckets daily and scrub them regularly. Flies love dirty water.
Sweep aisles: Keep stable aisles clean and free of debris where flies might breed.
Manure management
How you handle manure makes a huge difference to fly numbers:
Muck heap location: Keep the muck heap as far from stables and grazing areas as possible.
Muck heap management: Flies breed in manure, so your muck heap can become a fly factory if not managed properly. If possible, have manure removed regularly. If you must keep a muck heap, keep it tidy and compact.
Cover it: Covering your muck heap with a tarp can reduce fly breeding, though this isn’t always practical.
Composting: Proper composting generates heat that kills fly larvae. Ask your yard manager about composting manure correctly.
Paddock management
Poo picking: Remove droppings from grazing areas regularly. This not only reduces flies but also helps control worms and improves grass quality.
Drainage: Make sure paddocks drain well. Standing water and muddy areas attract flies.
Rotate grazing: If possible, rotating which paddocks your pony uses gives each area time to ‘rest’ and reduces parasite and fly problems.
Feeding area cleanliness
Clean feed buckets: Wash feed buckets after every use. Leftover feed attracts flies.
Don’t overfeed: Only give your pony what they’ll eat. Wasted feed means more fly food.
Store feed properly: Keep all feed in sealed containers. Open bags attract flies and other pests.
Bedding choices
Dry bedding: Keep bedding as dry as possible. Wet bedding is perfect for fly breeding.
Regular changes: Change bedding regularly – don’t just keep adding new bedding on top of dirty bedding.
Choose wisely: Some bedding types may be better for fly control than others. Straw can harbour flies, whilst shavings or pellets might be better options in fly season.
Stable ventilation
Good air movement makes it harder for flies to land and also helps keep your stable dry:
- Keep windows and doors open when possible
- Install fly screens on windows and doors
- Consider stable fans in hot weather
Fly traps and zappers
Fly traps: Sticky fly papers or trap bags can catch flies around the stable. Place them away from where your pony stands so they don’t catch your pony!
Electric fly zappers: These can be effective in stable areas but must be safely installed where ponies can’t reach them.
How you can help
Even if you’re not responsible for all stable chores, you can help reduce flies:
- Always pick up droppings from your pony’s stable
- Put rubbish in bins, not on the ground
- Report any drainage problems or standing water
- Keep your tack and grooming areas tidy
Remember, fly control is a team effort! Everyone at your yard needs to work together to keep things clean and reduce fly numbers.
Next: Creating your complete fly management plan!
