Being a horse owner does not only mean going for riding or training but also ensuring that your horse is safe and healthy. And safety comes when you have a better fly-management plan to reduce horseflies, ticks, mosquitoes, and other types of flies that carry diseases such as swamp fever, which, if not checked timely, can be fatal for your equine.
Fly sprays and repellents help to get rid of these disease-carrying insects and save your horse from bites and infection. And it is important to find a good quality horse fly spray that is safe to use around humans and other pets.
We know it is quite intimidating to find the right one out of hundreds of horse fly repellents available in the market. So to help you make an informed decision, we have listed below the 10 best horse fly sprays and repellents to fight and prevent flies from attacking your equine.
Quick Picks
Below are our top picks for today.
Best overall: Absorbine Ultrashield Ex Insecticide is truly an amazing product whose active ingredient can kill various fly species. This all-in-one product conditions your horse’s hair and protects your horse’s skin from the sun.
Best budget option: Farnam Bronco Gold Equine is the best solution to get rid of horse flies at an affordable price. This quality product is oil-free and is easy to apply to your horse.
10 Best Horse Fly Sprays and Repellents
Here are our recommendations of the top ten horse fly spray and repellents that we found highly effective in killing and preventing horse flies.
1. Absorbine Ultrashield Ex Insecticide
With a few clicks of Absorbine Ultrashield Ex Insecticide spray, you are all set to keep your horse protected from flies. This horsefly spray is designed to kill and repel up to 75 different species of fly, including ticks, mosquitoes, and gnats.
Absorbine Ultrashield is one of the best horse fly premise sprays meaning you can not use it directly on the horse. On the contrary, you can spray it on surfaces around the barn, including floors and walls.
Additionally, you can also spray it inside a horse float before traveling. Applying Absorbine spray on a grooming brush will not only protect but condition your horse’s hair.
The spray-active ingredients such as piperonyl butoxide, permethrin, and pyrethrins are good at killing crawling species like carpenter ants and deer ticks. Other ingredients include sunscreen and coat conditioner.
Another amazing thing is that this high-quality horse fly spray is waterproof, which means you can use it all year round. Moreover, its water-based formula is safe to use on horses and dogs.
Furthermore, Absorbine UltraShield fly repellent offers waterproof protection for 17 days because of its UltraBond Technology. However, some customers complain that the spray has a strong smell and claim it doesn’t offer 17-day protection and needs reapplying after a few hours.
Pros
- Barn and premise spray
- Ready to use, water-based formula
- It kills flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and gnats
- Conditions and protects
- Safe for horses
Cons
- Strong smell
- It doesn’t last for 17 days, as advertised
2. Farnam Endure
Farnam Endure sweat-resistant has been around for almost 16 years and is preferred by many horse owners which surely makes it one of the best fly sprays for horses. It comes premixed in a 32-ounce pump spray bottle.
Its active ingredients include cypermethrin, 0.20%, piperonyl butoxide, 1.60%, butoxypolypropylene glycol 5.00% and 0.15%, pyrethrins. Similar to Pyranha spray, Farnam Endure sweat-resistant also contains permethrins.
One of the great things about this repellent is that it works for up to 14 days before you have to reuse it. This is due to the amazing repelock conditioner that binds itself to the shaft of your horse’s hair. Also, this feature makes it sweat-resistant, which means it does not get washed away by the horse’s sweat.
This fast-acting fly repellent starts killing flies the very moment they come in contact with its powerful formula. The only drawback of the Farnam Endure sweat-resistant product is that it is a bit expensive compared to others.
Pros
- Works in even hot, humid, damp, wet conditions
- It lasts for 14 days
- Sweat-resistant
Cons
- Expensive as compared to other options
3. Farnam Repel-X
Farnam Repel-X Emulsifiable horse fly spray is another great option to keep nuisance flies and ticks away from your four-legged partner. However, it is an expensive fly spray, but you can add water to it to make it go further and use it for a longer period.
Its water-based formula does not contain any oily residue, which is why it is very easy to apply on your horse. On the contrary, if your horse gets sweaty, there are fewer chances that this spray formula will stick to your horse.
Once you are done mixing the spray with water, you can apply it via spray bottle, cloth, or sponge. You have to apply it twice a week or spray it daily.
The best thing about this horse fly repellent is, it is available in 16 oz., 32 oz., and gallon sizes and contains powerful ingredients like Piperony Butoxide. Therefore it is excellent at keeping horse flies, house, stable, horn, and deer flies at bay.
Unfortunately, where Farnam horse fly spray repels a wide range of flies, it may attract bees, which complicates things.
Pros
- Available in different bottle sizes
- Emulsifiable concentrate
- Water-based repellent
Cons
- Expensive
- May attract bees
4. Ecovet Horse Spray
Are you wondering which horse fly spray effectively keeps the horse fly away? Wonder no more! The Ecovet horse fly spray is a repellent made of fatty acids. Although its formula does not kill the flies directly, its unappealing smell repels the flies so that they won’t come again.
Also, this spray does not contain any chemicals or other poisons. However, it is a really strong spray but can safely be used around humans and other pets and obviously around your horse.
Additionally, there are a few instructions to be followed, such as for spray application, make sure your horse is not sweaty; otherwise, the spray will not stick to your horse. Besides, the spray smells strong but not bad. Ingredients like sage and lavender give the spray a pungent odor.
Although, some purchasers say that their horses start sneezing when they put this repellent on them. Still, Ecovet Fly Repellent is absolutely harmless to horses, and, most importantly, it does not kill flies, it repels them.
Pros
- Easy application
- Chemical-free
- Twice a week application
- Effective for a wide range of flies
Cons
- It has a pungent smell
- It cannot be used on sweaty horses
5. Farnam Bronco Gold Equine
This popular horse fly spray contains pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide so that it works quickly and helps to prevent a range of flying insects, including horse, face, horn, stable, and deer flies. The Farnam Bronco Gold fly spray bottle is easy to use, and you can easily carry it with you from home to the barn.
Additionally, this spray contains citronella as an ingredient, so it does not have a strong odor. Moreover, Farnam is safe to use in horse stalls, with horses, ponies, and foals. Or you can also wipe this non-oily formula on your horse if it feels more comfortable. All these factors, combined with its affordable price, make Farnam Bronco Gold the best horse fly repellent for the money.
Be careful, a few customers reported that using Farnam Gold causes painful hives or chemical burns to their horses, which also results in hair fall. So read the ingredients before buying this repellent as your horse may be sensitive to this non-oily spray.
Pros
- Cost-efficient
- Easy application
- Non-oily Spray
Cons
- Some horses may react to ingredients
6. Farnam Tri-Tec
This repellent comes with a water-based formula that can work for up to 14 days. Additionally, this horse fly spray smells nice.
Farnam Tri-Tec is a 50-ounce bottle of horse fly spray for house flies, stable flies, face flies, and more. Its solution contains active ingredients like cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrins, and butoxypolypropylene glycol. Additionally, it also has added sunscreen, which will keep your horse outshine and protect from UV rays on sunny days.
It is a water-based formula with a fast knockdown, meaning that it quickly acts and kills the fly. But you need a 32-ounce spray bottle in order to use it. This ready-to-go spray comes in a premixed formula, so all you have to do is to put it in the spray bottle and start applying it on your horse.
Pros
- It lasts for up to 14 days
- Easy to apply
- Pre-mixed formula
Cons
- It doesn’t smell good
- Expensive
7. Pyranha
Pyranha’s repellent formula prevents mosquitos, horse flies, gnats, face flies, deer flies, and more because of natural ingredients such as its pyrethrum base and its citronella scent.
The spray also includes a conditioner for your horse’s coat and contains lanolin as an ingredient that protects your equine from flies and makes him look attractive, and make him feel good.
Another fantastic feature of this spray is it comes in a spray bottle or a large gallon jug. You can apply this spray via a cloth or a rub. However, not all horses like the citronella spray as it is a bit thicker and oilier than other horse fly sprays out there.
Pros
- Ready-to-use formula
- Apply directly to the horse
- Offers 24 hours protection
Cons
- Slightly oily
- Smelly
8. Fiebing’s Flyspray
Fiebing’s Fly spray is one of the expensive horse fly repellents. However, it begins by killing the flies on the horse; then it repels flies from landing and infecting in the future. This means you’re paying for the quality and effectiveness of this spray.
Moreover, Fiebing offers protection against stable, house, horse, horn flies, and mosquitos. It is designed specifically for horses with the addition of citronella which gives it a more appealing smell. It also contains lanolin that will help condition your horse’s coat and give it a shiny finish.
Fiebing’s Fly spray contains a petroleum base, which gives it a thick consistency and is sticky compared to many other sprays.
However, this spray may prove very effective; the solution contains a petroleum base that is not only thick but also has a pungent smell that a lot of equines and owners may dislike.
Pros
- Citronella scented
- Kill and repel flies
- Contain lanolin
Cons
- Oily
- Expensive
9. Espree Aloe Herbal
Espree Aloe Herbal fly horse repellent is available in the market either as a 5:1 concentrate or as a liquid spray. This spray comes in different bottle sizes, which makes it a suitable purchase option.
The spray is one of the best natural fly repellents and does not contain any chemicals. Although you may not find this spray as effective as any other harsher sprays and repellents.
The readymade spray costs twice as much as the concentrate. Instead, consider buying the concentrate and adding water to it to use it for an extended period of time.
Its ingredients include eucalyptus, cedar oil, citronella, sunscreen, conditioner, mineral oil, and water. Make sure your horse is cleaned before using this spray. Next, apply it directly to your horse, you may use a clean cloth to apply to the face and get full coverage.
Pros
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Includes conditioner and sunscreen
Cons
- Expensive as compared to other sprays
- Less effective than others
10. Absorbine Ultrashield Green
Are you looking for a chemical-free fly spray for your horses? Absorbine UltraShield Green is an all-natural horse fly repellent that uses essential oils to repel insects and flies. It is designed specifically for horses, foals, ponies, and dogs and is highly safe to use.
This natural fly spray formula contains all-natural ingredients such as eucalyptus, lemongrass, cedarwood, peppermint, lavender, citronella, and tea tree essential oils. Additionally, It is available premixed in a 32-ounce spray bottle and lasts for up to 8 hours.
This means you need to apply this natural horse fly spray daily if you want to keep your horse protected from flies. Another feature that puts Absorbine’s name among one of the best horse fly repellents is its wonderful smell. Plus, it gives your horse a shiny, good-looking coat.
What more could you ask for? Its natural ingredients make it safe to use for you as well as your horses. This makes this the best fly spray for your house as well.
On the downside, some users reported that they received a leaked spray bottle. Others complained that it does not work for their horses and dogs and only lasts for an hour.
Pros
- Great smell
- 100% natural horsefly spray
Cons
- It lasts for a few hours
- Quite expensive
Buying Guide for Horse Fly Spray and Repellents
Flies can be pretty annoying for your horse. Above all, they carry a variety of diseases such as tularemia, anthrax, and anaplasmosis. So you need an effective treatment for your horse to deter the nuisance flies from feeding on your horse.
Besides some home remedies, horse fly sprays and repellents are the most effective and efficient treatment to fight these insects. However, from all the products available in the market, some repellents work better than the others. At the same time, some may be effective on your horse but may not work for others. It is typically because of different strains of flies and other factors.
Fret not, we have given below some of the factors that you should keep in mind while buying a fly spray for your horse.
Types of Horse Fly Spray
Typically there are two main types of horse sprays available in the market; fly repellents and fly killers. Fly killer is a type of spray that kills the flies because of toxic chemicals, whereas the other repels the flies. The repellent has a very unpleasant smell that prevents the flies from landing and settling on your equine.
Besides, combination spray is a blend of repellent and killer spray. This spray type kills the flies that are already feeding on your horse and also repels the flies from settling in the future.
Natural vs Chemical
Typically, fly killers contain chemicals to kill the flies. These chemicals are poisonous to flies but safe to use on horses and around humans. It is essential to ensure that the horse fly spray is chemically tested and approved safe to use.
You may opt for natural fly repellent, these include all-natural deterrents and mostly contain ingredients like citronella. Citronella gives off a citrus scent that pleases most horses and owners, and the same citrus smell helps put off flies from the horse.
Concentrate vs Spray
There are some fly sprays that are sold ready to use in, which means that you just have to pump the bottle and use the spray directly. Or even you can use a cloth and wipe it on your horse. On the contrary, some sprays are available as concentrates. These sprays are undiluted, and you need to add water before using them.
For instance, in some concentrates, you need to add 5-parts water to 1-one part concentrate to prepare a solution. On the other hand, some require 10:1 water to make a solution.
However, undiluted liquids work better and are cheaper than the ready-made sprays, but they require a bit more work. Moreover, concentrate sprays need separate and additional spray bottles to prepare a solution.
How to Use Horse Fly Spray?
The first thing to do before applying horse fly spray is to get your horse used to the sound of a spray bottle. The next step is to comb your horse’s hair thoroughly to brush the dust off, before using the fly spray.
It is always a good idea to read the manufacturer instructions at the back of the spray bottle, as some recommend combing your horse hairs opposite to the direction of growth when you spray.
Once you are done spraying, wait for some time until the spray dries. Waiting for an adequate amount of time will allow the heat and pressure in the saddle area to escape and prevent from interacting with the spray, which might cause irritation.
You can start spraying from the hooves and work your way up. But make sure that you do not directly spray on your horse’s face.
The best tip to apply the spray on your horse’s face is to wipe the rag in a downward direction over the eyes instead of up. Doing this will prevent the spray from getting into your equine’s eyes. Similarly, for ears, take a cloth and wipe down the inner and outer areas of its ears. Also, clean the midline as well.
You can use horse fly sprays whenever they’re needed. For instance, you can use them as a daily repellant if you find consistent issues. Or you can use it when you see your equine is having an issue. Additionally, check how long the treatment will remain effective as some treatments last for hours, whereas others may last for a few days or even weeks.
People Also Asked
Below are answers to some common questions about horse fly sprays and repellents.
What is the most effective natural horse fly repellent?
Here are some other most effective horse fly repellents.
Shires Ezi-Groom citronella spray — This spray formula contains a natural blend of chrysanthemum oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil, and citronella.
Fine Fettle fly spray — It is made of herbs. This natural solution from Fine Fettle creates a healthy barrier that helps kill fly bites and irritation. Additionally, it’s a water-based formula which means no oily residue.
Mastacare Extra Strength lFy spray repellent is a non-greasy and water-based horse fly spray. Its formula includes a scientific blend of natural insect repellents that make it perfect to use for sensitive horses.
What can I spray to keep horseflies away?
Homemade fly spray is one of the most effective ways to keep horseflies away from your horse.
Homemade spray recipe
To prepare a dish soap spray, you need an empty bottle and fill it with one cup of warm water. Next, add four tablespoons of dish soap in warm water and shake the mixture well. Now you can apply it to your horse and instantly get rid of the flies.
How do you get rid of flies in a horse pasture?
Using chemical sprays is one of the most effective ways of controlling flies. Sprays, fogs, pour-on insecticides, and mists are directly applied to the horse’s skin. Horse owners often prefer dust bags, face rubbers, back oilers, and back rubbers as they are self-applied. Also, they do not require the livestock to be brought in from the grazing land.
What to feed horses to repel flies?
Garlic powder is what horse owners often add to their horse’s feed to repel insects naturally. It is because the sweat produced by an equine fed on garlic spreads an odor that keeps ticks, flies, and other insects away and makes it a natural fly repellent. Moreover, the horse garlic supplement is known for its insect repelling qualities.
Why do you need horse fly spray?
Horsefly spray is needed to reduce the presence of disease-carrying pests around your horse, for your horse’s health and safety. However, there is no such treatment available that can fully eliminate flies. But you can make an effective fly management plan to reduce them.
A great way to reduce pests is to make the area around the horse and the horse itself less hospitable to flies and other insects. For the purpose:
– Remove any water source nearby
– Keep trash bins away
– Use fans to circulate air
– Keep the area clean of manure
– Let horses graze away from livestock
– Use barriers like masks, fly sheets, and boots to cover the horse and provide them protection from flies
– Use traps that are designed to remove flies
Also, you can install a barn spray system that can run tubing around your horse stall and dispense fine droplets of fast-acting flies repellent in the air at regular intervals throughout the day.
Although, these systems can be a bit expensive to install and may kill helpful insects alongside flies. Additionally, some equines and humans may get a reaction to the pesticide as well, which means they are not always the best solution.
An effective solution that will better the environment around your horse is to treat the equine itself. Fly sprays and repellents are useful and affordable options to help solve this issue.
Final Thoughts
Certain flies and insects are helpful for the overall health of your equine, but the same is not the case with all flies and insects. To save your horses from such pests, it is recommended to use horse fly sprays and repellants.
This list of the 10 best horse fly sprays and repellants has been curated after extensive research to help you select the one that best suits your needs. Make an informed decision, and get the best product for your horse’s comfort and wellbeing.
