What is the best fly spray for horses?

Flies can be a great nuisance for animals, especially horses. To tackle this problem, horse owners make use of various fly sprays and repellents that prevent these flies from annoying and biting the horses.

Generally, flies on horses are more active in warmer months. Hence, this is the time when horse fly sprays are in great demand.

How effective are horse fly sprays?

The problem with flies on horses mainly persists and is at its peak in the warmer and humid months of May, June, and July.

Thus, there are many suppliers of horse fly sprays present in both the local market and online. However, not all horse fly sprays are effective.
But, on the other hand, this also does not mean that horse fly sprays do not work. This just requires some extra time and effort from your side.

Also, you may even take the help of a professional insecticide to guide you towards good horse fly sprays. To get the maximum effectiveness out of horse sprays, you will need to combine them with prevention techniques that we will discuss later.

Product
Effective Period
Price
Farnam Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Repellents for Horses

14 days
Farnan Bronco e Equine Fly Spray
7 - 14 days
Pyranha Wipe n Spray
7 - 14 days
Spray Pet Wound

14 days
Espree Aloe Herbal Fly Repellent
24 hours

1. Farnam Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Repellents for Horses

Farnham Endure fly repellentThis product is our top pick for the best fly spray for horses and. This fly spray for houses is an all-rounder as it not only gives cover against flies but also against lice, ticks, gnats, and mosquitos. The formula consists of Cypermethrin, pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, and butoxpolypropylene glycol. Even if it rains and your horse is not in the stable, the spray stays on your horse even if it is wet outside. You may purchase it in a 32-ounce spray bottle or as a gallon.

Pros
• The fly repellent spray will stay on even if it rains or is wet outside otherwise.
• The repellent has an effective period of 14 days.
• It not only gets rid of flies but also helps with lice, ticks, and other pests.
Cons
• It is not as strong as other competitor repellent sprays.
• It is somewhat sticky.

2. Farnan Bronco e Equine Fly Spray

Bronco equine fly sprayThe formula for this horse fly repellent is water-based and constitutes prallethrin, permethrin, and piperonyl butoxide. You may use this product on your horses or even in their stalls and stable. The spray will not harm your horse in any way and can also prevent flies, ticks, fleas, lice, chiggers, gnats and mosquitos from coming near your horses. It can last from seven to up to fourteen days. An added benefit of this repellent is that it has a nice smell without irritants.

Pros
• The formula comes in a ready-to-use bottle.
• It gets rid of six different kinds of pests.
• Gives long-lasting protection
Cons
• Not an effective repellent for lice.

3. Pyranha Wipe n Spray

Wipe N Spray RepellentThe third fly repellent on our list is a product by Pyranha. The formula of this fly repellent is waterproof hence making it suitable for wet conditions. Also, the spray has a citronella smell that does not get to you. With this spray, you only need to do 1 to 2 applications, and the prevention gears of this repellent will kick in. The formula is a mixture of pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, and butoxypolypropy glycol. Its effects can last for up to 48 hours.

Pros
• The formula kills flies as soon as they come in contact with the spray.
• It has a good smell.
• You may use it in wet conditions.
It also adds shine to your horses’ hair.
Cons
• It can be somewhat greasy.
• Expensive than many other options

4. Spray Pet Wound

Stat SprayThis is another great repellent spray due to its different functions. Not only does this spray provide cover against flies and other insects, but it also heals wounds, bites, cuts scratches and burns. Moreover, the formula also leads to hair growth without discoloring the area. The main ingredient in this formula is benzalkonium chloride. Lastly, the formula is non-toxic, provides cover against fungal infections, and can offer fly protection for 14 days.

Pros
• The spray is equipped with hydrogel.
• It is known to treat cuts, bruises, and burns and also prompts hair growth.
It is also known to prevent and soothe itching.
Cons
• It is not intended for treating puncture wounds.
• Doesn’t work too well for other animals

5. Espree Aloe Herbal Fly Repellent

Espree Aloe Horse fly sprayThis particular fly repellent consists primarily of aloe vera, eucalyptus, cedarwood and citronella oils. Due to its ingredients, this seems to be a safer and more gentle option in the market when compared to its competitors. Also, this herbal spray has coat conditioners which help treat irritated skin. The only thing you have to do is dilute the formula by mixing it, and it will provide relief to your horse for up to 24 hours.

Pros
• It is registered with the EPA.
• This is an herbal fly repellent spray.
• It has a nice smell.
• The spray even has sunscreen.
Cons
• This is not a ready-to-use spray.
• Provides relief for only 24 hours.

6. Farnam Repel-XP

Farnham repel-xp emulsifiableThis repellent spray is known to give avid protection against a variety of flies and ticks due to its active ingredients; prallethrin and piperonyl butoxide. Moreover, this fly repellent comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle. Just pour in a little water in the spray bottle, and it is ready for use. Moreover, this particular formula is concentrated in nature. Thus, you may dilute it according to your requirement.

Pros
• It allows you control of the dilution process.
• The spray has been manufactured in the United States.
• The spray lasts up to 2 days
Cons
• A coat of oil may be needed on rainy days to allow the spray to stay on.
• Can cause a flaky film on the horse’s hair

7. Absorbine UltraShield

Absorbine Ultrashield Red SprayThis fly repellent by Absorbine is known to prevent the development of flies and can even kill the most stubborn of them. Also, not only flies, but this particular spray is also effective against other insects. The formula of this particular fly repellent spray consists of 5 strong ingredients which are permethrin, tetramethrin, pyrethrins, cypermethrin, and piperonyl butoxide. Moreover, the spray also has a good smell, and it will not allow dust to attach itself to it.

Pros
• The spray has an effective period of 7 days.
• Dust and dirt particles will not attach themselves to your horse as this spray is not greasy.
• Has a pleasant smell
Cons
• This is a basic level spray by Absorbine which gives cover against flies and basic insects.
• Expensive compared to many other sprays on the market

8. Absorbine UltraShield Green Fly Repellent

Absorbine UltraShield Fly RepellentThis fly repellent spray by Absorbine is known to have an effective life of 8 hours. The spray comes in two forms; 32-ounce spray bottle and a gallon. You may purchase one according to your need. The active ingredients found in this spray include thyme oil, cedar oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil, citronella oil, clove oil, Geraniol, and sodium lauryl sulfate. This “green” (eco-friendly) spray provides full cover against flies while keeping your horse’s coat shiny.

Pros
• The spray can be used on both horses and dogs.
• It leaves your horse’s coat shiny while providing cover against flies.
• Lasts for eight hours
Cons
  • It is not a very effective spray as compared to its competitors.
  • Takes time to dry

9. WF Young Absorbine UltraShield EX Insecticide and Repellent

UltraShield Ex RepellentThis repellent spray has been made using natural pyrethrins, permethrin, and piperonyl butoxide. The effective period of this spray repellent is 17 days. Another plus point about this formula is that you may use it on your horse, dogs, ponies and even on stalls and bedding. The spray is waterproof and sweat-resistant, thus, making it a good by for wet seasons. Lastly, the company also claims it is an advanced formula. It also contains sunscreen.

Pros
• It repels mosquitos that carry the West Nile Virus.
• The spray is waterproof and sweat-resistant.
• It is powerful and effective.
Cons
• The spray has potent ingredients that may irritate the horse.
• Doesn’t work for as long as it claims to

10. EQyss Premier Equine Spray

EQyss Premier Equine SprayWith a shelf-life of 3-5 years and is effective for 24 hours, this is one of the good fly repellent sprays present in the market. This particular formula is known to moisturize and condition the coat of your horse. Moreover, this formula does not have a greasy feel to it and prevents dust and dirt particles from settling on your horse’s coat. The active ingredients are deionized water, lavender extract, citric acid, polysorbate, rosemary extract, vera barbadensis, and marigold extract.

Pros
• It has a good shelf-life.
• The formula is not greasy.
• The ingredients condition and moisturize the coat of your horse.
Cons
• The ingredients may be potent for some horse breeds.
• Feels a little tacky as it dries

11. Farnam Tri-Tec 14 Fly Repellent

Farnam Tri-Tec 14 Fly Repellent Horse SprayThe active ingredients of this repellent spray are cypermethrin, pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, and butoxypolypropylene glycol. The spray is known to provide protection for up to 14 days against flies, lice, mosquitos, lice, and gnats. Moreover, this particular spray also has a water-based formula which further enhances its uses.

Pros
• The spray offers long-lasting protection for up to 14 days.
• The spray has a water-based formula.
• It gets rid of flies and various other pests.

Cons
• It may be an expensive purchase for some people.
• Not worth the extra cost

Best fly spray for horses – Buying Guide

Horse sideview ImageActive Ingredients: The best fly spray for horses will have a good balance between the natural and chemical ingredients. Some of the chemical and natural ingredients you should look for include citronella, DEET, permethrin and neem.
• Effectiveness: You will need to do research and purchase a fly spray that has good reviews and is recommended by your vet or a professional insecticide. Getting the wrong fly spray repellent may harm your horse.
Cost: There are many sellers of horse fly repellent sprays present in the local and online market. To help make the right choice, you can compare the prices of various sellers for the same product. You may find promotional offers online too.
Smell: Before purchasing, you may look-up online or ask the seller which fly repellent smells good. This buying factor will be different for everyone.

Types of flies on horses

Mosquito Killer - Mosquito BitingMosquito
These pets are found in dirt, stagnant water, and moist soil. Pastures are also a favorite of mosquitos as ponds are mainly located near pastures. This allows mosquitos to feed on horses who come to the pasture or pond to drink.

• Horse fly
Horse flies are particularly stronger fliers as compared to the typical house flies. The female horse fly is responsible for biting horses and other animals and transmitting diseases to them.

• House fly
House flies are a nuisance globally. They are smaller in size than horse flies and are mainly known for annoying people and contaminating food.

• Black fly
This particular fly is a combination of both the horse and house fly. It is small in size like the house fly and is similar to the horse fly in the sense that the female bites and transmits diseases.

DEET Containing Product

DEET was developed in the 1940s by the army of the United States. It was mainly used in areas where insect bites were the worst. It is available in the form of:

Creams
• Liquid
• Spray
• Roll-on

Through research, it has been seen that DEET has a long-lasting impact and can work under most weather conditions.
It is known to provide cover against ticks, flies, and fleas even on humans. So, despite these effective benefits, why do people still hesitate to buy DEET products for their horses?

How to use a fly spray for horses?

  • Bathe and pat dry your horse thoroughly. Your horse should be clean before you apply the spray on his/her skin.
  • Carefully read the manual given with the spray. You may need to wear long-sleeved clothes or gloves to protect yourself from the spray.
  • Be careful to use the spray with hair growth. Do not spray against hair growth on your horse.
  • Also, be sure to use the spray outside the house and the stable in open air.

Preventions

  • Image of treatmentSome prevention tips that you can follow include:
  •  Maintain your horses’ hygiene by keeping them clean.
  • Have a proper method for treating manure.
  • Get rid of any stagnant water present
  •  Try to locate the stables and pasture area away from ponds and wooded areas.
  • Get rid of the weeds and keep your grass neatly trimmed.
  • You may also make use of safety netting.
  • Do not put dustbins near the barn, stalls, and the stable.
  • There should be no sort of garbage present.
  • Schedule routinely visits with the vet and a professional insecticide.