As late summer turns to autumn in Europe, we're only too aware that Bot fly egg season is upon us. There are over 150 species of these hairy flies in the world and they will relish the prospect of laying eggs on your horse’s front legs, cannon bone, knees and sometimes on the throat or nose (depending on what particular bot it is).

Instantly recognisable, as they are yellow dots resembling splashes of paint, it’s important to remove bot eggs as soon as possible to prevent them causing health problems to your horse. When the horse rubs its nose on its leg, the bot eggs find their way into its mouth and then to the intestines.

They can cause lumps on your horse (once the larva has grown and is ready to leave through the skin of your horse), sores, ulcers and colic.

As they rest on the bone, removal can be tricky and is usually easiest with a sharp knife or sandpaper.

Here are five links providing information about bots and how best to remove the eggs from your horse.

How to Get Rid of Fly Eggs on Horses – this is a good basic overview from ehow.com on how to prevent bot flies laying eggs and how to remove the bot eggs if they manage it!

Bots – How to Control Infestations and Remove Bot Fly Eggs – this article on equi-therapy.net offers advice on how to spot signs of bot infestation and tricks to remove the bot eggs from your horse.

Removing Bot Eggs – Jessica Jahiel offers comprehensive advice to reader Karen on some of the best ways to tackle bot egg removal.

Bot Egg Removal – Link to a horse owners’ discussion on HorseForum.com on tried and tested ways of removing bot eggs.

What’s so Bad About Bots – Informative article from Horsetalk explaining why bots are dangerous and what your options for prevention and removal are.