by A. Swinker and F.B. Peairs

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. Direct effects are due to the pest’s presence and physical nuisance. Bothersome insects can cause the animal to become nervous and interrupt its performance. Nuisance pests can cause the horse to stomp, rub and constantly switch its tail. The increased stress load can quickly compromise the health of an animal. Indirect effects are transmission of pathogens (disease- producing organisms). Blister beetles do not attack horses, but they are toxic to horses and can contaminate alfalfa hay. Management of these insects is different from other horse pests in that it requires modification of alfalfa production practices. 

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