...to StayFly-Free N A T U R A L L Y
7. SEASON GRAIN WITH GARLIC Garlic may be one of the most researched and talked about herbs in equine and human health fields. Among all the wonderful things garlic can do for us and our animals:
• natural fly repellent • anti-fungal action • anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties • arthritis combatant • blood thinning capabilities
A main component in garlic is allicin, which is very sensitive to heating, microwaving, steaming or pickling. When purchasing garlic for your animals, look for cold processed and non-irradiated processing. Hand-crushed fresh garlic is not recommended, as it can be harsh to the point of blistering your horse’s mouth. Look for a reputable equine manufacturing source as opposed to buying bulk at your discount stores.
8. DUST WITH DIATOMACEOUS EARTH Watch flies fall when this natural, mineral-based pesticide burns through their wings while leaving horses unscathed (Note: Avoid getting the fine dust near horses’ faces). Diatomaceous earth is a naturally-occurring mineral compound made from the microscopic, fossilized remains of prehistoric algae-like plants called diatoms. The diatoms build up into deep, chalky deposits of diatomite, and these deposits are mined and ground up to render a powder that looks and feels like talcum powder. Be sure to get Food Grade DE when using around animals. DE is an excellent and totally natural control, with no indication of damage to internal tissue.
9. KEEP STALLS AND RUN-IN SHEDS CLEAN! Pick up manure at least twice daily, cover your manure spreader with fly netting, and keep manure far away from your daytime shelter. Spray the manure with organic fly control to kill the adult flies or spread predators on the pile to kill larvae.
10. USE ESSENTIAL OILS The essential oils listed below are known to be unpleasant to insects. They should be mixed with water or a lotion, or blended with oils so that they are diluted in strength. Straight essential oils are too concentrated to be used directly on an animal and may cause toxic side effects. Do not mix more than two or three oils together because this can cancel out the properties of the oil.
When mixing a lotion or wipe-on insect repellent, use a natural aloe vera base lotion diluted with 40-50% water or Witch Hazel. The Witch Hazel helps to keep the skin from clogging. If making a spray, use one-third lotion, one-third witch hazel, and one- third water, with one-quarter to one-half ounce of essential oils, depending upon the oil. This can make 16-32 ounces of spray, depending upon how strong you need to make your repellent.
Visit
HolisticHorse.com to download four natural Insect Repellent Blends for man and beast!
Holistic Horse™ • June/July 2010 • Vol.16, Issue 67
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