Flies, gnats, mosquitoes, bots, lice, ticks, mites and blister beetles are the most important arthropod pests of horses in Colorado.
Insects can cause the horse to become nervous and interrupt performance.
Removal and proper management of manure is a key to managing several horse pests. Free-standing water is a common aquatic breeding site for the mosquito. A combination of environmental, biological and chemical control methods work best to manage insect pests. The important arthropod pests of horses in Colorado are flies, gnats, mosquitoes, bots, lice, ticks, mites and blister beetles. Arthropods that feed on blood generally affect horses directly or indirectly.