biting "horse" flies ?

[motdaugrnds]

There are large flies we call "horse flies" attacking my goats, even myself. Yet there are no horses for miles around.

If anyone is having a similar fly problem, I sure would appreciate know what you do that helps keep them from biting. (I have been using the "Fly Predators" for years but they do nothing to prevent these large flies from showing up.)

[Phil V.]

Apple cider vinegar helps. I used it for my pygmy goats that I used to raise.

[Pony]

I use PetGuard Gel on the goats, and it helps them. I hate those things!

[fishhead]

I started putting SWAT on my goat. It seems to help. Here it's the smaller stable flies. They bite so hard he stays in the shelter most of the day.

[Bret4207]

There are a zillions different types of biting flies. "Horse flies" don't bite just horses. Right now the deer flies (they chew on anything they can find, not just deer) are giving my stock fits. You can onl'y do so much. Sprays help.

[Backfourty,MI.]

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/stor...nt-32-oz-spray

This is what I use. Last about 2 weeks or a little longer & works for different flies & mosquitos too. Been using it a couple years now & it works good for us here.

I do buy the gallon though & just fill my spray bottle since it's cheaper.

[coso]

I use Bronco fly spray on my girls at milk time.

[Pony]

I got chewed up by those lousy flies when I went out to spend some cuddle time with the formerly stray pup.

My ankle swelled where one took a chomp out of me.

Stoopid flies.

[Ford Zoo]

The fly predators don't control them because horse flies come out of the swamps/wet areas, not out of manure like the little pesky ones. I wonder if Cylence would work for them?

[motdaugrnds]

I went out and sprayed them all down with full strength apple cider vinegar (without the mother) just to find out if that would help. I watched for awhile and it does seem to be helping.

[Rayne]

Is neem oil concentrate (diluted of course) safe for them?

I used some today on the goats and on the surrounding areas where the flies get bad and it seemed to do the trick. Sure, they had a few biting flies that would lite on them a little bit, but for the most part, it kept all the insects away.

Is it considered safe? I know it is for other animals and people... just checking to see if anyone would recommend it for goats as well.

[aart]

According to OSU it's pretty safe....very short half life if diluted with water tho.

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/neemgen.html

[Rayne]

Thank you