A horsefly trap works with a dark ball that warms up in the sun and moves gently: horseflies see it as a large animal to bite and are caught in a collection hood or on a layer of glue. That way you reduce the number of horseflies around the field or paddock, without putting a product on the horse. This collection includes the Loer horsefly trap (complete or as a separate ball), the 60 cm Sticky Trap ball and the Sticky Trap Glue trap, plus Sticky Trap Horsefly Glue in three pack sizes and a Horse Fly Trap brush.
Collection hood or glue?
There are two systems. With a trap with collection hood, horseflies fly upwards after landing on the ball, into a funnel with a collection container. That is clean work: you empty the container now and then. With a glue system, you coat the ball or a bucket with special horsefly glue, and the horseflies stick to it. Glue needs more maintenance, because dust, rain and insects make the layer less sticky. Also bear in mind that other insects end up on the glue too.
The right spot
- Full sun: a ball in the shade does not warm up and attracts far fewer horseflies.
- Close to where the animals are, but out of their reach, so a curious horse does not knock the trap over or come into contact with glue.
- In a spot with some wind or movement, so the ball can turn slightly.
- Set it up early in the season, before horseflies are numerous.
What a horsefly trap does not do
A trap catches far from all the horseflies in the area, certainly not with a ditch or woodland edge nearby. See it as an addition. For direct protection, use a fly spray against horseflies, a fly rug or a fly mask. Bothered by ordinary stable flies rather than horseflies? For those, fly traps for stable and yard are more suitable. Catch wasps around the yard with wasp traps; all products against flying insects are in flying insects.
Frequently asked questions
How does a horsefly trap work?
The trap uses a dark ball that gets warm in the sun. Horseflies look for warm, dark shapes to bite, land on the ball and are caught in a hood or on glue.
Where do I put a horsefly trap?
In full sun, close to the field or paddock but out of the animals' reach. In the shade, the trap works much less well.
Is a horsefly trap enough to protect my horse?
Usually not. A trap reduces the number of horseflies, but a fly rug, fly mask or fly spray is still needed on busy days.