6 Best Equine Wound Dressings For Fly Control Old-Timers Swear By
Discover 6 traditional equine wound dressings old-timers swear by for fly control. These time-tested methods protect injuries and promote clean healing.
There’s nothing that draws flies faster than an open wound on a horse. One minute you’re dealing with a minor pasture scrape, the next it’s a buzzing, irritated mess that won’t heal. Keeping flies off a wound isn’t just about comfort; it’s a critical step in preventing infection and ensuring proper healing.
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Why Flies Are Dangerously Attracted to Wounds
Flies aren’t just a nuisance; they are a direct threat to a healing wound. They are drawn to the moisture, blood, and proteins present in damaged tissue. This isn’t a random attraction—it’s a biological imperative for them to find a place to feed and lay their eggs.
The most immediate danger is contamination. A fly that was just on a manure pile can transfer a host of bacteria directly into your horse’s wound with a single touch. This can turn a simple, clean cut into a nasty infection requiring antibiotics and veterinary intervention.
Worse yet, some flies, like blowflies, will lay eggs in the wound. These eggs hatch into maggots, which feed on the flesh, leading to a condition called myiasis. The constant irritation from flies also causes the horse to bite, rub, or kick at the area, further damaging the tissue and preventing the wound from closing. A small problem can escalate into a serious one in less than a day.
SWAT Fly Repellent Ointment: A Sticky Barrier
SWAT is a barn staple for a reason. It’s a thick, greasy ointment—often bright pink—that works as both a physical and chemical barrier. The active ingredients, pyrethrins, are a time-tested fly repellent.
The key to using SWAT effectively is to apply it around the edges of a fresh wound, not directly in it. Think of it as creating a "no-fly zone" perimeter. For scrapes that are already scabbed over or for protecting sensitive areas like the ears and face from fly bites, it can be applied more liberally.
The main tradeoff with SWAT is its stickiness. It does its job well, but it also attracts dirt, dust, and bedding. This means you need to gently clean the area daily and reapply the ointment to prevent a grimy buildup that could trap bacteria. It’s a workhorse product, but it requires diligent management.
Farnam’s Wonder Dust for Drying and Protection
Wonder Dust is another old-timer favorite you’ll find in most tack rooms. It’s a powdered wound dressing that contains activated charcoal and a blood coagulant. Its primary purpose is to dry up slow-healing, oozing wounds and to stop minor bleeding quickly.
This product shines on superficial scrapes and cuts where the main goal is to dry the area out and create a protective crust. It’s also used to help manage proud flesh, as its caustic action can discourage excessive tissue growth. You just puff the powder directly onto the cleaned wound, and it forms an immediate scab-like barrier that flies tend to avoid.
However, Wonder Dust is not for every situation. You should never use it on deep puncture wounds or abscesses. Those types of injuries need to drain from the bottom up, and sealing the surface with a powder can trap infection inside. It’s a specific tool for a specific job: drying out weepy, surface-level injuries.
Bickmore Pine Tar: The Original Fly Repellent
Before modern ointments existed, there was pine tar. This dark, incredibly sticky substance has been used for centuries as a natural antiseptic and a potent insect repellent. The strong, smoky scent and impossibly tacky texture are things flies simply can’t stand.
While most commonly used on hooves to treat thrush or seal nail holes, a light application of pine tar around a minor wound can be an effective fly deterrent. It creates a long-lasting, waterproof barrier that is tough for even the most determined flies to penetrate. It’s a solution born from pure practicality.
The downside is obvious: pine tar is profoundly messy. It will stain your hands, your clothes, and your horse. It can also attract dirt, much like SWAT. It’s a powerful, old-school tool, but be prepared for the cleanup. For a horse living outside 24/7 with a stubborn wound, that tradeoff might be worth it.
Ichthammol 20% Salve: The Old-Time Poultice
Ichthammol is the black, smelly drawing salve that has been a go-to for generations. Its primary function isn’t just fly control, but that’s a significant secondary benefit. This thick, petroleum-based ointment is an emollient and a "drawing" agent, meaning it helps pull infection and foreign objects to the surface.
You wouldn’t use ichthammol on a clean, open laceration. Its magic lies in treating things like abscesses, splinters, or puncture wounds that are starting to swell and fester. By applying it under a wrap, you encourage the site to come to a head and drain. The thick, gooey salve also creates an impressive barrier that keeps flies and dirt out of the compromised area.
Think of ichthammol as your first line of defense for a brewing hoof abscess or a thorn that’s gone deep. It soothes, it draws, and it protects. The distinct medicinal smell and tar-like consistency are a small price to pay for its effectiveness in messy situations.
Corona Ointment: Lanolin-Based Wound Care
Corona Ointment is a classic for a reason: it’s simple, gentle, and effective. Its main ingredient is lanolin, a natural substance that provides an exceptional moisture barrier while helping to keep skin soft and supple. It helps promote a moist healing environment, which many veterinarians now recommend for faster healing with less scarring.
While Corona doesn’t contain an active insecticide, its thick, greasy consistency creates a formidable physical barrier against flies. For minor scrapes, rope burns, or patches of dry, cracked skin, a layer of Corona can be all you need to protect the area while it heals. It stays on well and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
This is your go-to for general-purpose wound care where the primary goal is healing, with fly protection as a secondary benefit. It won’t repel flies from a distance like SWAT, but it will keep them from landing directly on and irritating the wound itself. It’s a safe, reliable choice for the barn’s first-aid kit.
Alu-Shield Aerosol: A Modern Spray-On Barrier
For a more modern approach, Alu-Shield offers a unique solution. This aerosol spray creates a thin, flexible, silver-colored "bandage" over a wound. It acts as a waterproof, protective barrier that allows the wound to breathe while keeping contaminants and insects out.
The biggest advantage of Alu-Shield is its ease of application. You can spray it on hard-to-reach places without ever touching the wound, which is great for skittish horses or awkward spots. The metallic coating is dry to the touch once it sets, so it doesn’t attract dirt like greasy ointments.
The tradeoff is that you can’t see what’s happening underneath the silver layer. It’s best for clean, superficial wounds where you’re confident there’s no infection brewing. It is not suitable for deep or puncture wounds that need to drain. It’s an excellent, no-mess option for protecting a clean injury from the elements.
When a Simple Dressing Isn’t Enough for Wounds
These ointments, dusts, and sprays are fantastic tools for the everyday scrapes and cuts that happen on a farm. However, knowing their limits is the most important part of responsible horse ownership. A simple dressing isn’t the right tool for every job.
You should call your veterinarian immediately for any of the following:
- Wounds that are deep enough to be considered punctures.
- Injuries located on or near a joint, tendon, or the eye.
- Bleeding that you cannot stop with firm pressure after a few minutes.
- Signs of a serious infection: thick, colored pus, a foul odor, significant heat and swelling, or a fever.
- Any wound that results in severe or non-weight-bearing lameness.
Think of your wound care supplies as your first-response kit, not a replacement for professional medical care. Being prepared to handle the small stuff is smart, but recognizing a serious situation and getting expert help is what truly keeps your animals safe and healthy.
Ultimately, the best wound dressing is the one that fits the specific injury and your farm’s environment. Having a few of these tried-and-true options on your shelf means you’re prepared to protect your horse and promote healing. A well-stocked first-aid kit and a good eye for trouble are a hobby farmer’s best assets.
