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  Discussion on Bug Check?
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 10, 2002 - 12:03 pm:

Just heard of a supplement called "Bug Check" that is supposed to achieve very good results by keeping flies from biting. It's natural, made with garlic, grape seed, diametaceous earth (sp?) -- just wondering if anyone has used this and the results. It isn't that expensive (2 lbs for $20, lasts 2 months), but I hate to dump more money into the fly battle without doing some checking. Would love to hear comments/reviews.

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 10, 2002 - 12:25 pm:

I haven't heard of Bug Check, but I use Inside Out by Cheval International. It's more expensive - $24 for one month...But I figure it works out in the long run by not having to use so much fly spray. www.chevalinternational.com.

It keeps most biting flies, mosquitos and gnats off my horse - and also has yeast and garlic - good for his insides, I guess... My horse absolutely loves it!

I still use fly spray, Tri Tech 14, once a week and swat on his belly, just in case.

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 10, 2002 - 1:27 pm:

I cannot imagine how diatomaceous earth would help in the fight against bugs. This is essentially silica and silica oxides, and would be inert. Presumably you feed it?

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 10, 2002 - 1:58 pm:

I am in Florida and bugs are our speciality. I tried it for most of last summer.It did not work for us!
Jean

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 10, 2002 - 1:59 pm:

From what I've read, the theory behind diatomacious earth (DE)is that the very small sharp fragments in the manure kill the flies and the larvae by cutting them up when they try to eat the manure.

I can't say that I believe this. A friend of mine does believe and feeds straight DE and sprinkles it around her stalls. I don't know if it works.

Her horses seem to have as many flies around as mine do.

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 10, 2002 - 9:50 pm:

I would be very afraid of feeding the "very small sharp fragments" of diatomateous earth to a horse. The delicacy of a horse's digestive system is unparalleled. For feed through, you'd probably do better with Equitrol.

Posted on Friday, Jul 12, 2002 - 12:42 am:

I believe there is "food grade" diatomacious earth and that it is sometimes found in feeds to prevent caking--but I could be wrong. Organic gardeners use it to kill soft bodied bugs in the garden. Perhaps just sprinkling it on the manure would help keep flies down. I compost my manure, so I'd be worried about the DE killing worms.

Nancy

Posted on Saturday, Jul 13, 2002 - 12:04 pm:

I don't think I'd use Equitrol - there have been some questions raised lately about its safety. Have you heard anything about this, DrO?

Suzy

Posted on Saturday, Jul 13, 2002 - 12:27 pm:

Hello Suzanne,
I have heard nothing new. There have always been questions about this product. Run a search on the name to see other discussions about it.
DrO
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