Fly Protection
Sweet Itch
Fly rugs, masks, sprays and sweet-itch protection — everything to keep your horse settled and bite-free through fly season.
Sweet Itch Protection
Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting midges (Culicoides), which leaves horses itchy and rubbing — mainly along the mane and tail. It cannot be cured, but it can be managed well with the right routine: a full-coverage barrier rug, a good midge repellent, and soothing lotions or shampoos for sore skin. Just Horse Riders stocks sweet-itch kit from brands including Shires, WeatherBeeta, Hilton Herbs, Barrier and Carr & Day & Martin, from around £6.
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Sweet-itch advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed June 2026.
How to manage sweet itch
| Step | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Full-coverage barrier rug & hood | Physically stops midges reaching the skin — the most reliable measure |
| Midge repellent | Helps deter midges from exposed areas |
| Soothing lotion / shampoo | Calms and cleans itchy, broken skin |
| Stable at dawn & dusk | Avoids peak midge times; a stable fan helps too |
What is sweet itch?
Sweet itch (sometimes called summer seasonal recurrent dermatitis) is an allergy to midge bites. Affected horses rub their mane, tail and sometimes belly, which can break the skin. It returns each spring to autumn when midges are active. If your horse is very sore, or the skin is broken and weeping, speak to your vet — these products help you manage and protect, not treat a medical problem.
Sweet itch essentials
- Barrier rug: a full-coverage sweet-itch fly rug with belly and neck cover is the foundation of protection.
- Midge repellent: Carr & Day & Martin Killitch (from £23.89) helps deter midges from exposed skin.
- Soothing lotion: Hilton Herbs Bye Bye Itch Lotion (from £9.81) calms itchy areas.
- Soothing wash: Barrier Anti-Itch Soothing Shampoo (from £12.00).
- Daily support: Dodson & Horrell Itch-Free (from £6.09) or Hilton Herbs Bye Bye Itch (from £25.89).
Frequently asked questions
Can sweet itch be cured?
No — sweet itch cannot be cured, but it can be managed well. The most effective approach combines a full-coverage barrier rug, a midge repellent and soothing skin care, plus stabling at dawn and dusk.
What is the best rug for sweet itch?
A full-coverage sweet-itch rug that covers the neck, body and belly (often with a hood) is the most reliable protection, because it physically stops midges reaching the skin.
When is sweet itch worst?
From spring to autumn when midges are active, and especially at dawn and dusk. Stabling at those times and using a stable fan can reduce exposure.
Does fly spray help sweet itch?
A midge repellent helps deter the insects that trigger sweet itch, but a barrier rug is the most reliable measure. Use them together for the best protection.
Sweet itch can be miserable for horses — if the skin is broken or your horse is very distressed, please involve your vet. For help building a sweet-itch kit, tap the WhatsApp button and one of the team will talk it through.