Deer Ked Flies & Horses – What You Need to Know

What is a Deer Ked Fly?

The deer ked fly (Lipoptena cervi) is a blood-sucking parasite, originally adapted to wild animals like deer – hence the name. But today, these pests also target horses, dogs, and even humans.

One of the creepiest aspects? As soon as they land, they shed their wings and start crawling rapidly through the coat – preferring warm, protected areas like the mane, tail base, or hindquarters.

Why Do Horses React So Strongly?

The bite of a deer ked fly is painful. It pierces the skin and feeds on blood, which can lead to itchiness, swelling, or even mild inflammation. But even worse than the bite is the crawling sensation in the horse’s coat – many horses react with panic, kicking, or sudden flight behavior. This can become dangerous, especially during rides or training sessions.

How to Recognize an Infestation

Deer ked flies are small, fast, and hide deep in the coat – but there are clear signs to watch out for:

• Sudden head tossing or tail swishing

• Nervous pawing, stomping, or kicking

• Turning the head constantly during rides

• Visible restlessness without a clear cause

• Excessive rubbing, especially at mane and tail

Pro tip: Always check your horse carefully after riding or pasture time, especially around the tail, mane, and hindquarters.

What Can You Do About It?

Unfortunately, many standard fly sprays don’t offer sufficient protection – deer ked flies are especially resilient. Here's what helps:

- Use fly rugs with neck and head protection
- Apply strong, long-lasting insect sprays like the InsectStop Intense Spray
- Check and groom your horse thoroughly after turnout
- Wash affected areas with water and mild shampoo if needed
- Adjust riding times to early morning or late evening in peak season

Our Ecobusters Recommendation:

Our sprays like InsectStop Intense Spray. Their effective active ingredient combinations offer reliable protection – whether on pasture or out on the trail.

Field-tested tip: Daily spraying of key areas can help prevent the flies from landing in the first place.

Bottom Line: Tiny Fly, Big Impact

Deer ked flies are more than just a seasonal nuisance – they can seriously stress out your horse. But with the right preparation, awareness, and high-quality protection products, you can help your horse stay calm, comfortable, and focused – all season long.