Sweet Itch Rugs and Lotions

Sweet Itch Fly Rugs

Sweet itch rugs are commonly used during the warmer months when fly activity is at its peak. They are an essential tool in managing sweet itch and keeping affected horses comfortable and protected from further irritation.

Sweet itch rugs usually have a slightly thicker material than fly rugs with a finer weave to offer better protection against the smaller midges, which can often find their way through standard fly rug material. Take a look at our Fly Rugs and Sheets range if you only require a standard fly rug. A sweet itch rugs also tend to provide more robust protection over the main areas prone to biting. They often include neck covers and belly panels as well as a snug fit around the top of the tail.

Sweet itch is a skin condition in horses and ponies caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting insects, particularly culicoides midges. Horses suffering from sweet itch may develop intense itching, hair loss, and skin inflammation, particularly along the mane, tail, and withers, it can affect almost any equine regardless of age, breed or type. Did you know that Sweet Itch affects around 5% of our horse population and is the most common allergic skin disease in the UK?

Sweet Itch varies in severity from horse to horse.  Some horses only have a slight reaction causing them to perhaps itch their tail on a fence however some will scratch repeatedly until the skin is broken which can lead to secondary infections.

If you notice your horse or pony scratching especially in spring / summer months there is a good chance they have Sweet Itch and dealing with it early will make keeping it under control much easier however be aware that there are many other allergens which present the same symptoms as sweet itch so its best to check.

The symptoms of Sweet Itch vary from horse to horse – some will be severely affected by a small number of bites whilst others will have no reaction at all.

Some of the most common symptoms are:

Your horse will mainly itch his mane and tail area
Affected areas will usually be inflamed and hot to the touch

Sweet Itch Lotions

Use a lotion such as Carr Day & Martin Killitch which is licenced and proven to prevent and treat Sweet Itch in horses and ponies.  Containing benzyl benzoate which is a powerful fly repellent in a soothing lotion

Use a fly repellent regularly especially when riding or exercising or anytime the sweet itch rug is not protecting your horse.  Those containing DEET such as Carr Day and Martin Flygard Extra which has one of the highest concentrations of DEET at 20% are particularly effective.  DEET is a colorless liquid that has a faint odor and does not dissolve easily in water. DEET was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 for protection of soldiers in insect-infested areas. 

Scientists do not know exactly how DEET works on all insects. Some insects sense people by detecting the chemicals from our bodies and in the air that we breathe out. It has been shown that insects exposed to DEET are not able to locate a person or animal because they cannot detect them.

Protect the stable environment from flies by using Carr Day Martin Flygard Protector 1ltr this is a water based insecticide formula containing Cypermethrin which remains active on surfaces for weeks and has a knock down effect on flies. 

By using a combination of preventative measures such as Sweet Itch Rug, Fly Spray and an Insecticide Spray for the stable area along with itch calming shampoos and lotions you should find that you can manage the problem successfully and keep your horse or pony as comfortable as possible.