Ditch the itch before it starts
Nettex has some top tips to help keep your horse scratch free this spring/summer
SPRING BRINGS SUNSHINE and warmth — usually — but it also brings unwanted visitors in the form of biting f lies and insects. In worse case scenarios, these can cause equines much distress. Owners need to start their summer skin management practices now before the itch/scratch cycle begins — early action is the best way to minimise the risk of your horse or pony being affected.
HERE ARE NETTEX’S TOP TIPS FOR MIDGE CONTROL:
For best practice, start as early as February before the midges appear.
Apply NETTEX Summer Freedom Salve Complete to all exposed and sensitive areas of your horse or pony, such as the sheath or teats, belly, neck and face (taking care to avoid the eyes), and the top of the tail. Before applying NETTEX Summer Freedom Salve Complete be prepared by: 1. Doing a 48-hour patch test.
2. Washing your horse with NETTEX Everyday Conditioning Shampoo (Best in Test Winner 2019) to remove any build-up of dirt and bacteria. Allow his coat to dry completely before application.
Repeat every seven days for best results. It is recommended not to use under fly face masks as this may cause irritation. Where possible, choose turnout areas without natural watercourses or damp, boggy ground as midges find these to be the perfect breeding grounds.
Paddocks that are high up or exposed are also less affected by midge populations as midges can’t fly in a breeze above 7mph. Midges are at their most active at dusk and dawn so, if possible, keep your horse or pony stabled at these times. If this isn’t possible, ensure that NETTEX Summer Freedom Salve Complete is applied.
Protect him in the stable and at turnout with a close-weave fly rug with a full neck and belly cover. A full-face mask can help to protect the sensitive ear, eye and nose areas. When your horse is stabled, consider covering the stable door opening and ceiling with a fine weave mesh to prevent midges from getting inside. A ceiling fan that causes a down draft can also help to minimise midge activity in the stable.
A unique formulation
NETTEX Summer Freedom Salve Complete is a unique formulation used around the world to help repel and protect against insects and biting flies. This unique formulation also contains margosa (neem) and eucalyptus and has wonderfully soothing properties. You can help to protect your horse against biting insects and midges in early spring before they become a problem and help to avert the itch/scratch cycle that can become a misery for many horses and their owners.
Break the itch/scratch cycle
Even if midges have managed to reach your horse, applying NETTEX Summer Freedom Salve Complete can help to break the itch/ scratch cycle. The soothing properties of NETTEX Summer Freedom Salve Complete can help to ease itching and irritation as well encourage hair regrowth, helping to keep your horse happy and looking his best. Naomi Perkis, who owns Misti, says: “I tried everything, but nothing worked until I found NETTEX Summer Freedom. My horse’s skin looked soothed and you could see that his hair had started to grow back in under a week. This really is the best stuff out there!” In most cases, application is needed only once a week, making this a cost-effective solution. The weather-resistant formula is simple to apply and won’t matt the hair. Using the standard application levels, a 600ml tub can last for up to six to eight weeks.