pest management

Question
Hi Sarah,
We are relatively new to horse ownership.  We moved our horses to our barn here at home last summer.  I'm looking for information on fly control.  I've seen some fly products in magazines that are put on manure piles - I'm wondering if these are helpful or if there is a better way?
Thanks - Kim

Answer
Well, if you have horses, you will have flies!  The two seem to go together! :)  However, there are a few tricks I know of to minimize the fly population.  In all my years around horses, treating the manure with a chemical type product has never been something I've tried or known anyone to try.  So I truly don't know if it works well or not.  Give it a try, and if it doesn't work for you then try some of these things:
 Flies like the manure right?  That where they nest their little baby flies...gross!!  So definitely keep the barn areas - stalls, aisles, and around it outside as clean as possible!!  Most barns I've seen have good control over the fly population tends to do a thorough stall cleaning every single morning, with fresh shavings added to replace what was removed.  Then later in the day once or twice the stalls get a quick sifting to keep the manure cleaned up!  Keep the barn ares clean and that will put a large dent in those pesky insects!
Also, while I haven't ever bothered to research the science behind this, flies tend to keep moving onward if there is good air circulation.  So, when it gets hot, safely hang some box fans and get two benefits for the price of one!  Your horses will enjoy the breeze and the flies will tend not to rest as much, thus ultimately keeping the population down.
Also, be sure to groom the horses daily.  If you can keep the dung of their coats, less to atttract the flies!
Another tip is to keep the water buckets clean!  Not only is it healthy for your animals,  but it keeps all kinds of different bugs from wanting to set up shop!  Likewise keep from allowing stagnant water any where near the barn if possible!  Keep weeds and grasses well trimmed too!
Try to keep your manure pile far from the barn, upwind, and in the shade to keep it cool.  The warmer the pile gets, the better breeding zone it becomes.  Granted, while you want it shaded, it is ideal that ground water from storms can still manage to drain properly so you aren't resulting in a soggy mess.  If the air and sun can dry out the giant pile as the matter is decaying, it will help minimize the flies.
On your horse, try Avon's Skin So Soft!  Sounds crazy but it works wonders!  You will want to be sure to apply it to the face and legs!  Those areas tend to be a fly magnet and also irritate the horses.  You don't want your horses stomping so much that they end up with a lameness issue!
Fly tape can work wonders.  It may look gross, but it truly is a great product!  There's a reason it's been around for so long!!

Those are some of my best weapons for defense.  I'm providing you with a link to an article online which mentions some of what I said, as well as a few other tips.  

http://www.horsekeeping.com/horse_management/fly_control.htm

Good luck!  Have a wonderful summer! =)