Why do flies gather around my horse's eyes?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Flies often gather around a horse's eyes because the area is warm, moist and easy for them to investigate. It can also happen more in fly season if there is sweat, discharge, irritation or a horse that's already a bit bothered by insects. In many cases it's nuisance behaviour rather than something serious, but it's worth checking the eyes closely.

Things To Check

1. See whether the flies are worse after turnout, exercise, grooming or feeding, as this can point to sweat or environmental triggers.

2. Look for watering, sticky discharge, redness, swelling or a horse that is squinting or blinking more than usual.

3. Check for dirt, sweat, mud or loose hair around the face that may be attracting flies.

4. Notice whether your horse is rubbing the face, tossing the head, stamping, or trying to avoid being touched near the eyes.

5. Compare both eyes, since one side being more bothered can sometimes suggest local irritation.

6. Check the surrounding area for standing water, manure, wet bedding or other fly-attracting conditions.

7. If your horse wears a fly mask, make sure it fits well, is clean and isn't rubbing the eyes.

Common Causes

The most common reason is simple attraction to moisture, warmth and any small amount of tear film or discharge around the eyes. Flies also tend to gather more on horses that are sweating, dusty or standing in fly-heavy areas.

Eye irritation, mild conjunctivitis or a small scratch near the eye can make the area more attractive to flies because of extra tearing or discharge. In some horses, face shape, white markings or general sensitivity to insects can also make the problem seem worse.

Less commonly, a more obvious eye problem may be causing the horse to keep the eye wetter or more uncomfortable, which then draws more flies. That's why it helps to look at the eye itself rather than only trying to move the flies away.

What To Do

Start by gently cleaning away any obvious dirt or moisture from around the eye using a clean, damp cloth. Keep the face as clean and dry as practical, especially after exercise or turnout.

Reduce fly pressure where you can by managing manure, stale bedding and standing water, and by using a well-fitting fly mask if your horse tolerates one. Make sure the mask doesn't press on the eyes or trap dirt.

If the eye looks more irritated than usual, keep a simple note of when it happens, whether it is one eye or both, and whether there is discharge or rubbing. That makes it easier to judge whether it's settling or changing.

If flies are a regular summer problem, a practical fly-season routine can make daily management easier and help you stay on top of the build-up around the face.

Products That May Help

For horses that need a bit more support with summer fly management, this collection may help as part of a routine for keeping the face cleaner and more comfortable.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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