Vet Tips 2025: Managing Flying Insect Allergies in Horses 🐴🦟

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Does your horse spend spring and summer scratching, rubbing out their mane, or battling hives? If so, flying insect allergies may be the culprit. These seasonal skin conditions are uncomfortable and frustrating—but fortunately, they’re manageable with the right tools. 🐎🧴

What Are Flying Insect Allergies? 🦟🔥

Horses can develop allergic reactions to the saliva of biting insects. Common culprits include:

• 🦟 Culicoides (gnats or midges)
• 🪰 Black flies
• 🪰 Stable flies
• 🪰 Horn flies
• 🦟 Mosquitos

These insects inject saliva when feeding, triggering a hypersensitivity reaction in susceptible horses. The result? Severe itching, skin inflammation, and damage from constant rubbing or biting. 😿

What Does It Look Like? 🐎👁️

The signs of a flying insect allergy can vary, but usually include:

• 🔁 Constant rubbing of the mane, tail, and back
• 🧱 Hair loss, crusting, or thickened skin (hyperkeratosis)
• 💥 Development of hives (urticaria)
• 🧫 Secondary bacterial infections from broken skin

In donkeys, allergic reactions often present primarily on the lower legs, whereas horses tend to show signs over the body—especially along the neck, topline, and tailhead. 🎯

When Does It Occur? 📅☀️

This condition is typically seasonal, flaring up in the warmer months when flies are most active. In regions like Texas, it’s usually a spring-through-fall issue.

🐎 If your horse is still itchy during the winter, it's likely due to another type of allergy—such as food or environmental allergens (e.g. dust, molds, or hay mites).

Hives and Insect Allergies 🧼🌼

Urticaria (hives) is a common symptom in horses with insect allergies but can also appear due to:

• 🥩 Food reactions
• 🧬 Drug or medication sensitivities
• 🍃 Environmental triggers like pollen or mold

Any sudden onset of hives should be discussed with your veterinarian to determine the exact cause and treatment. 🧪

Treatment Strategies for Itching and Allergies 🧴🩺

1. Insect Control Is Key 🪰🛡️

Effective fly control drastically reduces allergy symptoms. Try combining these tools:

• 💨 Fly sprays and repellents (reapplied daily)
• 🧴 Wipe-on insecticides for longer-lasting coverage
• 🧣 Fly sheets, masks, and boots to protect sensitive skin
• 🐞 Fly predators (parasitic wasps to reduce fly population)
• 🍽️ Feed-through fly control to disrupt larvae in manure

2. Skin Care and Soothing Topicals 🧼

Use medicated shampoos and ointments to reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and treat any secondary infections. Some popular ingredients include:

• 🌿 Aloe vera and oatmeal for cooling and soothing
• 🧪 Chlorhexidine for antibacterial treatment
• 💊 Hydrocortisone creams (vet-approved!) for inflamed areas

3. Veterinary Medications 💉

If your horse's reaction is severe, your vet may recommend:

• 💊 Antihistamines to reduce allergic reactions
• 💉 Corticosteroids for quick inflammation relief
• 💊 Immunomodulators or allergy-specific treatments in chronic cases

4. Environmental Modifications 🧽🏡

• 🌬️ Provide good airflow and fans to keep flies away
• 🐴 Stable during dusk and dawn—peak feeding times for Culicoides
• 💧 Reduce standing water and manure piles near turnout areas

Not Sure What’s Causing the Itch? Ask A Vet 📱🐎

Skin issues can be complicated. Whether it’s seasonal allergies or something else, get help from a certified vet via Ask A Vet.

Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 expert help on fly allergies, hive treatments, and holistic skin care solutions tailored to your horse. 🐴💬

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Itch ✋🐴

Flying insect allergies are uncomfortable but manageable. By taking proactive steps—combining fly control, soothing skin care, and smart veterinary support—you can help your horse stay comfortable all season long. 🌞

Need a custom fly control plan or second opinion? Visit Ask A Vet today. 🐎💙