THE DREADED
Botfly
Shoo fly don’t bother me, we don’t want your company! Dannii Cunnane looks at why it’s so important to control Botfly eggs.
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
It’s that time of year! Autumn marks the season where our beloved equines are chased around the paddocks by flies that are brown, hairy and resemble the Bumble Bee. You’ll know they have been to visit by the sticky golden eggs - the size of a small grain of rice - they leave on your horse’s eyes, legs, throat and muzzle.
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Botflies, also known as warble flies, heel flies and gadflies, are a family of flies technically known as Oestridae. Their larvae are internal parasites of mammals, some species growing in the host's flesh and others within the gut. While these tiny eggs look harmless, the larvae inside can cause damage to the stomach and intestines to horses so it’s
important to remove them as soon as you can. There are multiple ways to remove them so choose what best suits you and your horse. (See below for a few suggestions) The Botfly isn’t just annoying when it’s spreading its eggs, it can also interfere with your horse’s grazing time. It’s not uncommon to see horses running from this insect – some get very distressed by their presence. Use an insect spray and a light rug on your horse to keep your horse comfortable.