i know they are bad this time of the year but is it just me, or are they worse this year than usual.

Well, here goes....I learned about a mineral called "Wicks" from Reliance NB. A rancher in SD told me that he started to use it and no more flies. So, I finally got some, started using it this summer, no flies. Something in the mineral (Sulfur) keeps the eggs from hatching. Horses "gobble" it down. I was on vacation, they ran out while i was gone. Now we have flies. I gave it to them, we will see what happens in a few days, if the flies go away. Some others in the area also got it and they have the same experience...no flies. So, thanks for listening.

Several years ago, some one posted on here to use a sulfurized salt block during the summer. I started and I think I have less flies on the mules now.
So I put the sulfur salt blocks out mid May thru Sept. and then put the mineralized blocks out the rest of the year.

$5 for the sulfur salt block is cheap experiment

So this is a mineral that you feed your horses? And does it keep the flies off the horses or does it keep the number of flies in the area down?

Thanks

Nota separate mineral per sey, it is just sulfur infused into the salt block. Most feed stores carry it.

It seems to keep the flies off the horses (mules in my case. I don't know about keeping them out of the area.

We found a pallet of them in the back of the feed store a couple years ago. Weren't selling very well, so started using them at our place. We have them in all our paddocks and pastures. Will be ordering another pallet soon.

I think I will try the sulfer blocks, see if they work.

We just don't have any flies. Keeps them out of the area. From what I understand, the sulfur in the mineral causes the fly eggs not to hatch.

An added benefit of the sulfur blocks is a reduction in ticks on the horses. Even though we have a lot of ticks around here, they don't seem to bother the horses as much if I keep the sulfur blocks out in the pastures.

for harvey seidel

I searched for the product you mentioned (wicks) and could not find it on the web. Do you have more specific information on sourcing?

thanks

Wally

Google Wicks Mineral Supplement

Harvey, I'm about to order a mineral block. Can you give some idea of how long it will last for 2 horses. I know there are variables, just a good educated guess.
Gerald Ashby

This may not be relevant, but if sulfur suppresses the development of fly eggs, what does it do to the eggs of beneficial insects, like dung beetles? Any entomologists in the group? Here in the deep south there is nothing left in the pastures but rank C4 grasses, low energy, low protein, and we will start supplementing with molasses soon, a high sulfur feed. I should watch the fly load.

How do I get the horses to eat the sulfur? My guys wont touch it. So a block lasts a long time for me. :-)