Equestrian sector (horses)
Pest control for the equestrian sector
Sustainable protection for stables, riding schools and stud farms
Horse stables, riding schools, livery yards, stud farms and training centres face specific pest risks.
Manure, bedding, horse feed, hay, standing water and open stable buildings all create attractive habitats and breeding sites for flies, mosquitoes, rats, mice, birds and other unwanted animals.
Best Control offers a professional, tailored approach for the equestrian sector, with particular attention to:
- the welfare of horses;
- the safety of staff and visitors;
- protection of feed and buildings;
- eco-friendly prevention;
- biologically responsible control;
- minimal use of chemical products.
We prioritise prevention, hygiene, exclusion, monitoring and targeted control.
Pest control that respects horses and their environment
A horse business requires a different approach from a home, shop or office.
Products and techniques must be safe for:
- horses;
- foals;
- dogs and cats;
- stable staff;
- riders and visitors;
- feed and drinking water;
- beneficial animals and insects.
That is why we always start with a thorough inspection of the environment.
We examine, among other things:
- stables and boxes;
- feed storage areas;
- hay and straw storage;
- manure storage;
- tack rooms and technical rooms;
- drinkers and water points;
- paddocks and pastures;
- façades, doors and ventilation openings;
- possible hiding and nesting places.
Based on our findings we propose a tailored prevention and control plan.
Fly control in horse stables
Flies are among the most common problems in the equestrian sector.
They are attracted by:
- horse manure;
- wet bedding;
- spilled horse feed;
- damp corners;
- waste;
- rotting organic material.
Flies not only cause nuisance. They can make horses restless, cause stress and contribute to the spread of contamination and pathogens.
Sustainable fly control starts at the source.
We advise, among other things:
- removing manure and wet bedding regularly;
- keeping aisles and feeding areas clean and dry;
- cleaning up spilled feed immediately;
- organising manure storage properly;
- limiting breeding sites;
- improving ventilation;
- installing suitable fly traps and insect catchers;
- fitting windows and openings with screens or fly curtains where possible;
- monitoring fly activity regularly.
Biological fly control
Where possible, biological fly control can be part of the management plan.
Small, non-stinging parasitic wasps can be used. These natural enemies develop in the pupae of certain fly species and prevent adult flies from emerging.
Biological fly control:
- is safe for horses and people;
- causes no nuisance in the stable;
- helps limit the fly population naturally;
- can reduce the use of insecticides;
- works best combined with good manure and stable management.
Biological control is not a one-off treatment. Correct timing, regular application and follow-up are essential for good results.
Not all flying insects, such as horseflies and mosquitoes, can be tackled the same way. We therefore combine several preventive and targeted techniques.
Mosquitoes, midges and standing water
Mosquitoes and midges can cause considerable nuisance to horses.
Midges can trigger severe itching and summer eczema in sensitive horses. Mosquitoes can develop in small amounts of standing water.
Possible breeding sites include:
- unused buckets;
- open rainwater butts;
- blocked gutters;
- old tyres;
- puddles around drinking points;
- poorly drained paddocks;
- water in tarpaulins and materials;
- dirty or rarely used water troughs.
Preventive measures include:
- removing standing water;
- closing rainwater butts;
- cleaning gutters and drains;
- regularly cleaning drinkers;
- solving drainage problems;
- turning or removing water-holding materials;
- protecting sensitive horses with masks and rugs;
- using fans in stables where practical.
For health complaints, skin lesions or suspected summer eczema, always consult a veterinarian.
Rat and mouse control
Horse feed, grains, supplements, hay and straw are attractive to rats and mice.
Rodents can:
- contaminate feed;
- damage packaging;
- gnaw through cables and insulation;
- cause damage to buildings;
- spread bacteria and other pathogens.
Eco-friendly rodent control starts with prevention.
We check, among other things:
- openings around doors and pipes;
- cracks in façades and floors;
- accessible feed bags;
- spilled feed;
- clutter and storage areas;
- vegetation directly against buildings;
- sewers and drains;
- possible travel routes and hiding places.
We advise storing horse feed in well-sealed, rodent-proof containers.
Where possible we use:
- non-toxic monitoring;
- enclosed mechanical traps;
- selective capture systems;
- structural exclusion;
- targeted control points.
Rodenticides are only considered when preventive and mechanical measures are insufficient. They are applied in a targeted, safe way and in accordance with applicable regulations.
Protecting horse feed
Proper feed storage is essential for a healthy, hygienic horse business.
We advise:
- storing feed dry and sealed;
- removing damaged bags immediately;
- cleaning up spilled feed daily;
- cleaning storage areas regularly;
- arranging pallets and racks neatly;
- leaving enough space between storage and walls;
- reporting signs of rodents or insects promptly;
- managing old and new feed correctly.
A clean, well-organised feed store makes inspection easier and reduces the risk of contamination.
Birds in horse stables
Pigeons, starlings and other birds often seek shelter and food in open stable buildings.
They can cause nuisance through:
- droppings;
- nesting material;
- contamination of feed and water;
- noise;
- blocked gutters;
- damage to buildings and installations.
We look for animal-friendly solutions such as:
- limiting accessible food sources;
- closing off resting and nesting sites;
- bird nets;
- grilles;
- professional deterrence systems;
- structural adaptations.
Before installing bird deterrence we always check for active nests, eggs or young.
Protected bird species may not be captured, disturbed or removed without the proper permissions.
Ticks, mites, lice and skin parasites
Ticks are found mainly in tall grass, bushes, woodland edges and densely vegetated plot boundaries.
The risk can be reduced by:
- mowing tall grass regularly;
- managing bushes and vegetation around intensively used areas;
- checking horses for ticks regularly;
- removing ticks correctly and quickly;
- keeping brushes, rugs and grooming equipment clean;
- not sharing equipment between horses without checking.
In case of itching, bald patches, scabs or skin inflammation, a correct diagnosis is essential.
Mites, lice and other parasites on the horse itself must always be treated in consultation with a veterinarian. Not every product is suitable or safe for horses.
Manure management as the basis of prevention
Good manure management is one of the most important parts of pest prevention on a horse yard.
A well-managed manure store helps to:
- limit fly development;
- reduce odour nuisance;
- prevent soil and water contamination;
- attract fewer rodents;
- improve overall stable hygiene.
We advise, among other things:
- removing manure from the stables frequently;
- removing wet bedding quickly;
- keeping manure storage at a sufficient distance from feed and horses;
- keeping the manure area accessible and tidy;
- limiting run-off and standing water;
- removing manure regularly or composting it in a controlled way.
Our approach for the equestrian sector
- 1
Inspection
We inspect the stables, feed storage, manure area, buildings and immediate surroundings.
- 2
Identification
We determine which animals or insects are present and where they breed, feed or hide.
- 3
Risk analysis
We assess the risks to horses, staff, visitors, feed, buildings and environment.
- 4
Prevention & exclusion
We advise on stable hygiene, manure management, water management, feed storage and closing access routes.
- 5
Targeted control
We prioritise mechanical, biological and selective solutions.
- 6
Monitoring & follow-up
We check activity and adjust the approach when needed.
For which equestrian businesses?
Best Control helps, among others:
- horse stables
- riding schools
- livery yards
- breeding farms
- stud farms
- training centres
- equine clinics
- riding clubs
- competition and event venues
- owners of horse pastures
- professional horse keepers
- private horse owners
Why choose Best Control?
- Experience with the specific risks of horse stables
- Eco-friendly approach
- Biologically responsible solutions where possible
- Attention to animal welfare
- Safety for horses, staff and visitors
- Prevention before control
- Minimal use of chemical products
- Targeted and selective treatment
- Advice on manure, water and feed storage
- Regular monitoring and follow-up
- Tailored solutions for your equestrian business
A healthy stable starts with good prevention
Pest control in the equestrian sector is more than placing traps or insect catchers.
A sustainable result comes from:
- tackling the source of the problem;
- improving stable hygiene;
- managing manure correctly;
- storing feed safely;
- limiting standing water;
- closing access routes;
- monitoring pests regularly.
This protects horses, staff, visitors, buildings and the environment.
Pest problems in your horse stable?
Are you troubled by flies, mosquitoes, rodents, birds or other pests in or around your horse stable?
Contact Best Control for an inspection, advice or a tailored solution.
We look for an effective approach with maximum attention to the environment, animal welfare and the health of your horses.
Best Control — pest management
Eco-friendly, biologically responsible and animal-friendly pest control for the equestrian sector.
Phone: +32 (0)472 78 60 22 · Email: info@ongediertebestrijdingbc.be