The 15 Best Fly Sprays For Horses

Where to Buy the Finest Equine Fly Repellant

Horses find flies to be quite annoying. Horse flies are a nuisance, and they may spread illnesses including anthrax, anaplasmosis, and tularemia.

There are several species of insects that may try to feed on your horse, and horse flies are only one of them. Horse fly sprays are the most efficient and effective method of dealing with these pests; washing and drying will not discourage them.

But, like with any product, not all fly sprays are created equal. Also, different horses may respond differently to different sprays.

The effectiveness of the spray may also be affected by the type of fly, the method of application, and other variables. When looking for and trying out a new fly horse spray, keep the following in mind.

Spray Varieties

There are two main categories of horse spray, despite the confusing variety of names and labels: fly killers and fly repellents.

• For example, “Fly Killers” are designed to eliminate any flies that come into touch with the product. Sprays like this typically contain chemicals, as the poisons found in these substances are what really kill the flies.Some sprays may be applied to the surface rather than being used to kill the flies from within. They are sprayed on hard surfaces like walls and floors to eliminate any flies that may land there. As long as the spray is in the air, fly killers should be completely effective.
• To avoid killing flies, rather than killing them, use a spray designed to deter them. The spray’s pungent odor is meant to dissuade the insect from resting and laying eggs in the treated area. Some of the flies are going to disregard the spray and keep landing and feeding on your horse no matter how much you use.
• Some sprays have dual purposes as both a repellant and a killer. Existing fly populations will be eradicated as a result. Because the spray will be effective for a longer period of time, it will prevent further fly landings. These can be quite efficient, but the chemicals and poisons they employ to kill the flies are the price you pay.

All-Natural vs.-Man-Made Synthetics

Chemicals are typically used in fly killers. Toxic to flies yet harmless to people and horses, manufacturers should pick these compounds carefully. You shouldn’t utilize the compounds if they haven’t been evaluated for safety.

There are natural options to consider. Natural substances like citronella are used in these. Adding citronella, which has a pleasant citrus aroma, can greatly improve the fragrance of certain sprays.

Because of its strong odor, it is also used to keep animals and insects at bay. Fatty acids are used in certain natural fly sprays, and this element causes the flies to get disoriented. The flies won’t be able to pinpoint the horse because of this.

How to Use Fly Spray on a Horse

Depending on the product you choose, there are a variety of methods for applying fly spray to your horse.

First and foremost, always apply according to the directions on the bottle or container. However, you may also want to try the following methods:

• Spray – Apply only to a dry, clean horse. In order for the spray to work well, whether it is oil or water, the surfaces must be clean. For the recommended spraying distance, please refer to the product’s packaging. Keep the can at least six inches away from the horse as you spray. This ensures the spray doesn’t miss any spots while yet providing maximum coverage.
• Wipe – Some horses are sensitive to sprays, so it’s best to avoid getting it in your horse’s eyes, ears, and face without first wiping it with a towel. If you prefer not to use pump sprays on your horse, this is an excellent alternative that may be applied anywhere on the animal, including the face and other sensitive regions.

Concentrated vs. Dispersed Forms

Ready-to-use forms of fly sprays are widely available. This allows you to either spray the solution on by pumping the bottle, or to apply it directly by rinsing a cloth in the solution.

Some sprays, however, can be purchased as a concentrate. Adding water is required before using the solution since it is concentrated.

Some concentrations call for a solution of five parts water to one part concentrate. Some others call for a spray solution of water and bleach (10:1).

Buying undiluted liquids can save money compared to buying ready-to-use sprays, but it takes more time and effort, and you’ll need multiple spray bottles.

As to why flies are drawn to horses,

Scavengers, like flies. For sustenance, they consume the flesh of other species. Some species of fly are drawn to ocular secretions, some to blood from open wounds, and still others to huge, easy-to-attach-to animals from which they may take blood.

Flies are attracted to a variety of smells, including dung and even your horse’s feed. There are several things about your horse and their home that will serve as magnets for insects.

The answer to that question is yes, human fly spray can be used on horses.

Human fly sprays may be acceptable to use on horses, but they are not approved for use on horses. Because there are more flies on your horse, you’ll need a more potent repellent if you want to keep them off.

Human fly sprays are not designed to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects, so they won’t work as well on your horse.

Does Vinegar Work Well as a Fly Repellant?

It has been widely agreed that vinegar is ineffective as a fly repellent. Vinegar may actually make the situation worse if you spray it on your horses or other surfaces since it attracts flies.

Since flies are attracted to vinegar, especially cider vinegar, it is sometimes used as bait in traps specifically designed to catch them. If you want to keep the flies away from your horse, try spraying vinegar away from him.

Does Fly Spray on a Horse Last?

The components and concentration of fly spray products determine how long they remain effective. Manufacturers Some sprays, according to the manufacturer, can provide protection for up to four hours.

While some sprays say they work in only 24 hours, others say you won’t have to reapply them for two weeks. It’s also important to remember that horse owners rarely experience the same outcomes that the makers advertise.

The actual duration between reapplications will depend on a number of factors, including the strength of the wind and how persistent the flies are in their attempts to bite your horse.

Conclusion

Horses can relieve the constant itching caused by insects with the help of horse fly spray. Some of these products will kill any flies already on your horse, while others will prevent them from getting there in the first place.

Some products combine the two approaches; others only use one. Chemical-based products and those made from natural substances are also available, as are concentrated and pre-diluted solutions.

When shopping for fly spray, it can be helpful to start with brands that have worked well for other horse owners.

We conclude that the Ecovet Fly Repellent Horse Spray is the most cost effective option while the Farnam Bronco Gold Equine Fly Horse Spray is the best value for money option.

If you live in an area with a lot of flies, it’s important to choose a cheap fly spray. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes you can find the best fly sprays for horses for your pet.

Reviews

EcoVet Fly Spray for Horses: The Most Effective Option

The fatty acids in the Ecovet Fly Repellent Horse Spray keep flies away from your horse. It is not a pesticide, but rather a repellent, therefore it does not kill the flies it encounters.

To keep the flies away, it has an aroma they don’t like. Even though it has a very powerful spray, the spray is completely safe to use around humans, other animals, and horses because it is not created from chemicals or other toxins.

In order for the spray to be effective, it must be administered to a dry horse, since perspiration might prevent it from penetrating the hair.

Intense aroma emanates from the spray. The addition of sage and lavender to the mix makes for a distinctive flavor and aroma that isn’t offensive but is nonetheless noticeable.

Your horse may sneeze due to the odor when you are applying it. However, Ecovet Fly Repellent Horse Spray effectively deters insects without killing them, and it poses no risk to the horse.

Pros

• Pesticide mist
• Not using any harmful chemicals
• It’s simple to use
• To be applied just twice weekly.

Cons

• Pronounced odor
• Does not work on a perspiring horse.

 

The Most Effective and Economical Horse Fly Spray: Farnam Bronco Gold

One such spray is Farnam’s Bronco Gold Equine Fly Horse Spray. Its active ingredients, pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, allow it to function swiftly and effectively against a wide variety of flying pests, including horse, stable, horn, face, and deer flies.

The bottle’s simple design makes it convenient to take it with you wherever, from the kitchen to the stable.

Since citronella was added to the spray, it doesn’t have quite the same overpowering scent as the Ecovet. The Farnam Bronco Gold Equine Fly Horse Spray is safe for use on horses, foals, and ponies, and may even be used indoors or in sheltered areas.

You may use the non-oily spray as a wipe if it makes your horse feel better. When you consider its effectiveness and low price, this spray is clearly the finest option for treating horse fly infestations.

Pros

• Cheap
• The consistency is not greasy.
• Very convenient in use and portability

Cons

• It is possible that some horses will have an allergic reaction to the substances

 

A Top Pick: Farnam Repel-X Emulsifiable Horse Fly Spray

Farnam Repel-X Emulsifiable Horse Fly Spray is an expensive repellent spray, but it can be watered down to make it go further and to reduce the overall price.

It is water based, so it does not leave an oily residue, and it is simple to apply; nevertheless, it may not remain in place on sweaty horses.

After combining the spray with water, it may be administered with a spray bottle, sponge, or cloth. Horse flies, together with horn, house, stable, and even deer flies, are effectively repelled.

Applying it twice weekly is recommended, although it can be sprayed as often as daily. This concentration may be diluted 8 times with water to make one gallon of spray, cutting down on the overall cost of the spray.

Pros

• Concentrate that emulsifies
• Repellent that works in water
• Effective against many species of flies

Cons

• Expensive

 

Horse Fly Repellent, Pyranha Wipe N’ Spray

The recipe Pyranha was created to deter unwanted guests. Natural elements like its pyrethrum foundation and a strong citronella aroma keep mosquitoes, gnats, horse flies, deer flies, and face flies at bay.

The spray not only repels insects, but also conditions your horse’s coat with the help of lanolin, so he’ll be left looking as wonderful as he feels.

The spray may be applied with a cloth or a wipe, and it comes in both a spray bottle and a huge gallon jug. Although it is effective, the citronella spray is a bit heavier and oilier than other repellant sprays on the market, and not all horses will enjoy it.

Pros

• Finalized with a Citronella fragrance
• Spray or big bottle options
• Coat conditioning with lanolin

Cons

• Smells a little bit off
• Rather slick

 

The Flyspray of Fiebing

The fly spray from Fiebing’s, known as Flyspray, is rather pricey. However, it first kills any flies that settle on your horse, and then it prevents other flies from settling and spreading disease. It repels mosquitoes and other flying insects including home flies, stable flies, horse flies, and horn flies.

It has a pleasant scent thanks to the addition of citronella, and it was formulated with horses in mind. In addition to conditioning your horse’s coat, the lanolin in this product will give it a glossy sheen.

However, unlike many other sprays, Fiebing’s Flyspray has a petroleum basis, making it viscous and sticky. The petroleum basis makes the spray not only thick but also has a strong odor, which may put off certain horses and their owners despite the fact that it may be quite effective.

Pros

• Repel and kill
• Using citronella to mask odors.
• Lanolin content; use for coat conditioning

Cons

• Expensive
• Oily
• Thick

 

Fly Spray, Absorbine UltraShield

Absorbine UltraShield Fly Spray is an on-the-premises spray that has been shown effective against more than 40 distinct fly species. You are to spray it on the walls and flooring of the barn instead.

You may spray it in the horse trailer before a trip, or use it to the grooming brushes to not only protect but also condition your horse’s coat.

After being sprayed, insects and other crawling pests such as deer ticks and carpenter ants will perish from the spray’s active chemicals.

Additionally, the components include sun protection and coat conditioner. Water-based and effective on both horses and dogs, it may be used in any season.

Because of its UltraBond Technology, the fly spray known as Absorbine UltraShield may keep you dry for a full 17 days. The spray has an unpleasant odor and, contrary to the manufacturer’s promises, doesn’t provide 17 days’ worth of protection; you’ll need to reapply it after a few uses.

Pros

• No harm to horses or dogs
• Water-based
• Preserves and maintains optimal conditions

Cons

• Intense odor
• False advertising; doesn’t endure for 17 days

 

Horse Fly Spray with Natural Extracts of Aloe and Other Herbs (Espree)

Horses can use the 5:1 concentrate or the liquid form of Espree Aloe Herbal Fly Repellent Spray. It’s packaged in several bottle sizes to accommodate different needs.

Cedar oil, eucalyptus, citronella, mineral oil, conditioner, sunscreen, and water all make up the list of ingredients. First, wash your horse well, and then use a clean cloth to apply the product directly to the horse’s body and face.

Natural and chemical-free, the spray is an improvement over traditional methods of fly control, but it still falls short of the performance of stronger options. Also, the pre-diluted spray is twice as expensive as the concentrate, so it’s best to get the latter and dilute it yourself.

Pros

• Pure and simple
• Including UV protection and hair care products.

Cons

• Comparatively ineffective
• As pricey as a perfume spray