Prepare for Blackfly & Mosquito Season

As temperatures rise across Atlantic Canada, so do blackflies and mosquitoes. While they’re a nuisance for people, they can also cause stress and discomfort for horses, livestock, pets, and backyard flocks. A little preparation now can make the season much more enjoyable.

Protect Yourself

Whether you’re working in the barn, gardening, or heading out on the trail, insect repellent is your first line of defense. Wear lightweight long sleeves and pants during peak activity (dawn and dusk), and keep an after-bite treatment on hand to help soothe itching and irritation if bites do happen.

Keep Horses Comfortable

Flies and mosquitoes can lead to tail swishing, stomping, reduced grazing, and unnecessary stress. Help protect your horse with:

• Fly sprays and roll-ons
• Fly masks and fly sheets
• Fly traps and bait systems
• Stall fans to discourage flying insects
• Regular manure removal to reduce breeding areas

Protect Pets

Dogs and cats enjoy being outdoors too, but insect bites can leave them itchy and uncomfortable. Keep pets protected with veterinarian-recommended flea and tick products, outdoor insect repellents where appropriate, and check them regularly after spending time outside.

Support Your Livestock

Cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and other livestock are also affected by biting insects. We carry products including:

• Livestock fly sprays
• Premise and barn insecticides
• Fly traps and bait
• Livestock insect control products
• Poultry-safe insect control options

Reducing standing water around your property and keeping feeding areas clean can significantly decrease mosquito populations.

Barn Tips to Reduce Flies

A few simple management practices go a long way:

• Remove manure frequently.
• Keep bedding clean and dry.
• Eliminate standing water around the barn and paddocks.
• Improve airflow with fans.
• Install fly traps away from animal areas to draw insects away.
• Clean feed spills promptly to avoid attracting pests.

Don’t Forget Bite Relief

Even with prevention, bites happen. Stock your first aid kit with after-bite treatments to help relieve itching and irritation for the whole family.

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs store for everything you need to stay ahead of blackfly and mosquito season—from personal insect repellents to fly control solutions for your pets, horses, and livestock.

Feeds'n Needs Team