While not exactly a horse product these things are a godsend to have aroundyour horse property.

One of the biggest drawbacks to summer horse activities are flies. Bush flies. Blow flies.Stable flies. House flies.

While there are an infinite number of repellents, both human and horse, on the market, whatabout taking a little passive proactive action?

There are several fly traps available in the stores from the 600ml to 2 litre variety. Theyare the simplest design – you can even look around the internet for designs and make yourown using old soft drink bottles. Regardless, whether you buy a readymade kit or DIY, thesethings are brilliant!

I’ve been using fly traps on my property for about 3 years now and the amount of flies theytrap and kill is staggering. Thousands! And that is thousands of flies that are preventedfrom breeding further.

One of the best things about them is that the “attractant” used to lure the flies into thetrap is rated “food grade” – it’s non-chemical, non-toxic and completely safe for kids, petsand the environment. Give or take that if your pet or child gets into one of these bottlesand rolls in the stuff you are not going to be happy.

They stink.

And I can’t stress this highly enough. Emptying them out takes a steel stomach!

But they truly do work and over the last few years by the time midsummer rolls around wegenerally have a far lower fly population on our property. They are also veryenvironmentally friendly.

A couple of tips:
• Find the quickest way you can to empty them out!
• Hang them no more than 45cm from the ground.
• Tie them securely with a piece of string or baling twine to prevent inquisitive horses(who for some reason don’t mind the smell) from tipping them over.
• Make sure they get as much sun each day as possible.
• Do not let them dry out, top up with water every day or so till they are full.
• They can be emptied into the compost but I would recommend making sure it’s a coveredcompost, not open; otherwise the bin is the go!

Cost:
Trap: Around $8 from Bunnings / Free if you DIY
Attractant: Around $6 for 3 refill sachets / Various if you look for recipes on the net.

Highly recommended!

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