The Second Fly Season: Late Summer Fly Control Tips

Many horse owners put a lot of effort into fly control during spring and early summer. Fly masks come out, stalls get extra attention, and spray bottles seem to appear in every corner of the barn. But as summer starts winding down, it's easy to assume the worst is over.

The reality is that late summer often brings a second wave of insect pressure that catches horse owners by surprise.

Why Insects Don't Disappear After Midsummer

Unlike many seasonal challenges, flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks don't simply vanish once August arrives. In many regions, warm temperatures combined with periodic rainfall create ideal conditions for insects to continue breeding and thriving.

By late summer, insect populations have also had months to establish themselves. Standing water, manure piles, damp bedding, and lush vegetation can all contribute to ongoing pest activity around barns and pastures.

For horses, that can mean:

• Constant tail swishing
• Stomping and fidgeting
• Head tossing
• Skin irritation
• Excessive rubbing of mane and tail
• Reduced comfort during turnout
• Difficulty staying focused during work

Whether your horse spends the day on the trail, in the show ring, on the ranch, or simply enjoying turnout, persistent insect pressure can affect both comfort and daily routines.

The Late-Season Mistake Many Horse Owners Make

One of the most common fly-control mistakes is treating pest management as a spring project rather than a season-long program.

As schedules become busier with fall activities, school routines, competitions, and changing weather, consistency often slips. Fly masks may get forgotten. Stalls might not get cleaned quite as quickly. Fly spray applications become less regular.

Unfortunately, insects don't pay attention to the calendar.

In many areas, flies, mosquitoes, and ticks remain active well into the fall, making continued protection an important part of overall horse care.

Building a Better Late-Summer Fly-Control Routine

The most effective fly-control programs typically combine environmental management with direct horse protection.

Start by reducing areas where insects thrive:

• Remove manure regularly
• Keep stalls as clean and dry as possible
• Eliminate standing water when practical
• Improve airflow with properly placed fans
• Use fly traps and other barn management tools appropriately

From there, direct protection can help support your overall pest-control strategy. Fly masks, fly sheets, and insect repellents each play a role depending on your horse's environment and level of insect exposure.

No single solution eliminates every insect challenge, which is why layered protection is often the most practical approach.

Understanding Different Types of Fly Sprays

Most fly sprays work by repelling or controlling insects that have already located the horse.

Some newer products, however, are designed to support protection in different ways. For example, Absorbine's UltraShield® Gold features Absorbine FlyShield® Technology, which is designed to interfere with the insect's homing system so the bugs can’t find your horse. By making it more difficult for pests to find their target, products with this type of technology can become part of a broader fly-management routine.

UltraShield® Gold is formulated to help protect against a wide range of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. For specific insect species, refer to the product label. 

Finishing Fly Season Strong

As summer transitions into fall, now is the perfect time to evaluate your fly-control routine.

The horses that stay most comfortable through late summer are often the ones whose owners remain consistent when others start relaxing their pest-management efforts. Small habits, such as regular stall cleaning, managing standing water, maintaining fly gear, and applying protection as directed, can make a significant difference over the course of the season.

Fly season isn't always over when it feels like it should be. By staying proactive through late summer and early fall, horse owners can help support their horses' comfort and well-being right through the finish line.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian or animal health professional for advice.