All that glitters….

….could be natural fly control.  At least that’s what our friend and holistic vet Sue Beal thinks.

I’ve been away on business all week and returned to find an email from Sue to some kindred spirits suggesting her “horse-y” buddies are doing “crafty” things to chase flies.  But let Sue tell it:

Weeeelllll, I spoke to some colleagues who work in the horse world a week or so ago and they recounted a series of reports and on farm experiences using glitter (you know, sparkle dust, craft glitter…..) on horses as an effective fly repellent. Apparently the flies see the glitter as some sort of predator beast and avoid the animal.  

So, in the interest of experiential science, I’d like to see if some of you cattle folk are willing to try this. Apparently a dusting on the topline is sufficient – though, as yet, my personal practical experience with this is limited. I’ll let you know once I get with my stock….. I’d think that putting it in some sort of flour sifter or large-holed salt shaker would suffice.  

I do not know if the color of the glitter makes a difference. The horse people to whom I have spoken said they most often see silver on the horses….. and a friend of mine is experimenting w/ various colours on the horses in her barn…..  

There are places that supply glitter in 25 pound boxes, too….. and also half pound and pond containers. Google/Bing bulk glitter and you’ll find several choices.  

If folks are willing to try this, please send me an email or give me a call to let me know how things work for your animals ? I don’t need an essay – but will appreciate any and all comments. Something as simple as rating this on a scale of 1-10 (one being more or less useless in your situation to ten being the best darned thing you’ve used) will be helpful.  

(I’m not adverse to photos, either.) 

(And yes, I hear the collective giggling and head shaking as we speak !)

I thought we’d try it here.  Unfortunately we don’t have any little girls around and Wooz isn’t in to augmentation so we’re going to have to go out and get some glitter.  You can reach Sue through us or directly at alchemy@penn.com