Lice in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Itching, rubbed manes, matted winter coats—lice can sap comfort and condition fast. Here’s how to identify, treat, and prevent lice with smart routines that fit real barns.
Causes & Lifecycle
Biting vs. Sucking Lice
- Biting lice (chewers) live on skin debris—often cluster along mane, neck, and back.
- Sucking lice feed on blood—can cause anemia in heavy infestations, favoring jaw, neck, and legs.
How They Spread
- Direct horse-to-horse contact (crowded paddocks, shared ties)
- Shared or contaminated brushes, pads, blankets, halters
- Risk rises with dense winter coats, poor body condition, and low barn hygiene
Lifecycle Tip Lice eggs (nits) hatch in ~1–2 weeks—plan a repeat treatment to catch the next wave.
Clinical Signs
- Itching & rubbing; restlessness, poor focus under saddle
- Patchy hair loss, broken hairs, scurf; matted, dull coats
- Hotspots: mane/crest, withers/shoulders, flanks, tailhead; in heavy loads—weight loss or anemia
Treatment (Repeat Matters)
Veterinary-Approved Insecticides
- Work with your veterinarian to choose a horse-labeled product and follow the label exactly.
- Repeat in 10–14 days (or per label) to kill newly hatched lice.
- Treat all in-contact horses and address blankets, pads, and grooming gear.
Avoid off-label or household chemicals. Always follow equine product labels and vet guidance.
Calm Irritated Skin (Clean, Intact Areas)
- RESTOREaHORSE® Liqui-Gel — stay-put coverage for localized, intact irritated spots near rub areas.
- Rapid Relief Restorative Cream — non-greasy, thin barrier on intact, healed skin after grooming/treatment.
Topicals support the skin barrier; they don’t replace lice medications. Do not apply inside open lesions.
Preventive Hygiene & Grooming
Grooming & Coat Care
- Regular curry + comb to lift dander and check for nits.
- Wash with ShowBarn Secret® Lavender Shampoo & Conditioner; rinse thoroughly and dry well.
- Finish with Skin & Hair Enhancer to restore coat feel; use Powder Coat as a light protective barrier (see collection for usage).
Sanitation & Insect Pressure
- Wash stalls, walls, feeders, and trailers with SuperClean™ to reduce grime that shelters pests.
- Apply Citraquin® around horses and barn per label as part of a layered pest-reduction plan (see collection & How-To Guide).
- Label and separate grooming kits by horse to prevent sharing.
ShowBarn Secret® products are safe for frequent use when rinsed thoroughly and used as directed.
Environmental Management
- Quarantine infested horses; handle them last and change/clean clothing and tools after.
- Blankets & pads: hot-wash and high-heat dry, or bag 48–72 hours after cleaning if heat isn’t available.
- Bedding: remove and replace; disinfect stalls (SuperClean™) and let dry before rebedding.
- Turnout: rotate paddocks; avoid overcrowding and reduce brushy rub zones.
- Coat management: clip or thin dense winter coats to improve contact of treatments and reduce habitat.
Lice — FAQ
How do I tell biting from sucking lice?
Biting lice move quickly and are seen near dander; sucking lice are slower and may concentrate where hair is shorter. Your veterinarian can confirm and tailor treatment.
How often should I repeat treatment?
Commonly at 10–14 days after the first application (or per the product label) to target newly hatched lice. Don’t skip the second round.
Do I need to treat every horse?
At minimum, treat direct stablemates and any horse sharing blankets, brushes, or stalls. Check the whole barn and address hygiene to prevent ping-pong reinfestation.
Can lice live in my tack room?
Lice don’t thrive long off the host, but nits on hair and debris can carry on gear. Clean and, when possible, heat-dry fabrics; wipe hard surfaces and wash with SuperClean™.
Educational note: This guide is informational and not a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow your veterinarian’s directions and product labels for lice treatment and barn hygiene.
