Australia has plenty of biting insects that can leave horses itchy, irritated and uncomfortable. Knowing the likely culprit can help you recognise the signs and choose suitable protection. Here are some of the common biting insects that can bother our horses in Australia.
Stable Flies
Stable Flies look similar to the common house fly but they have piercing mouthparts. They often target the legs and belly, with painful bites that may leave small red or bleeding spots. Horses being bitten by Stable Flies will often seem agitated and repeatedly stomp their feet.
March Flies
March Flies are larger, robust flies with prominent eyes. Their painful bites can cause an immediate reaction with raised swollen welts that often become itchy later on.
Midges
Biting Midges are tiny but can cause significant irritation, particularly around the mane, tail and belly. Some horses are allergic to their bites, resulting in Queensland Itch, which causes intense itching resulting in excessive scratching and hair loss.
Mosquitoes
Mozzies are commonly active around dusk and dawn. Bites may cause small, itchy swellings. Mosquitoes can also transmit dangerous diseases/viruses like Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin virus, and Ross River virus.
Control
Using suitable repellents, protective rugs and flyveils, along with reducing insect breeding areas, can help keep biting bugs under control. Shop the range of Fly and Insect Repellents available for horses online here at vet-n-pet DIRECT.