When the summer time comes it can be quite upsetting to watch your equine friend suffering from the flies. Not only do they cause discomfort, but horse flies may also distract horses during exercise and cause skin complaints. An effective way to keep stable flies at bay is by using a repellent fly spray. Below we'll explore everything you need to know so that you can choose the best fly spray for horses.
How Do Fly Sprays for Horses Work?
Fly sprays can be sprayed over your horses' body to create a barrier against flies and other biting insects such as ticks, stable flies and mosquitoes. They contain synthetic chemicals as well as organic substances that will kill or repel problem insects.
Repellents will deter pests from landing on horses whereas insecticides will kill the insect. Insecticides are usually completely synthetic and more effective because they keep insect numbers down. Repellents are usually less toxic for horses but don’t kill the insects.
You'll also find combination fly control sprays that will both repel and kill horse flies. Some sprays are also combined with other beneficial products such as sunscreen or coat conditioner.
What's in Fly Spray For Horses?
To make an informed decision when you're choosing a fly spray for horses, it's advisable to check the label for ingredients. Below we'll take a closer look at the main active ingredients found in fly control sprays. This way you'll know what to look out for when you're choosing one.
Water vs Oil
The base ingredient of fly repellent will usually be made up of either water or oil. Oil-based fly sprays are generally faster acting and are slower to evaporate which means that they last a bit longer. However, they can leave a sticky residue on the coat which attracts dust, and can even burn the horses' skin if it's exposed to strong sunlight. Some owners prefer water-based sprays that are less irritating and more soothing on the skin.
DEET
DEET is one of the most common chemical ingredients you'll find in human and horse repellent sprays and it repels a range of insects, particularly mosquitoes. It has undergone extensive testing and is considered to be safe to use on horses. DEET products will usually need to be applied daily for maximum coverage.
PMD or Citriodiol
This is a plant-based compound that's derived from the eucalyptus tree. It's naturally repellent and thought to be just as effective as DEET when used in the right concentrations.
Permethrin or Cypermethrin
Permethrin or cypermethrin types of fly sprays are insecticides and are synthesized from chrysanthemum. They're considered to be the strongest repellents and can provide up to 4 weeks of coverage. Because of their effectiveness, they're usually more expensive than other products and they're not so readily available on the market.
Ir3535 (Ethyl Butacetylaminopropionate)
This synthetic repellent is sweat-resistant and long-lasting, great if you need fly coverage for competitions. It covers against a range of biting animals and is highly biodegradable.
Benzyl Benzoate
This is a powerful insecticide that's highly recommended as the best fly repellent for treating sweat itch. It's better to use this before the itching starts, as early as March, because it can be irritating when used on dry or broken skin.
Citronella
Citronella is the most common natural ingredient you'll find in horse fly repellents. It has a very distinctive and pleasant smell and it's usually the main active ingredient in many herbal horse fly sprays.
Neem
Neem is an organic, powerful, non-toxic insect repellent that can be safely used on all animals. Not only does it keep biting insects away it's also very soothing on the skin.
Chemicals to Avoid
Always check that the product has been approved for safe use on horses and never use products designed for other animals. When using any chemicals you should be aware of toxicity. Avoid spraying products on open skin and in enclosed spaces where the spray can be inhaled.
Natural Fly Spray
If you don't like the idea of putting chemicals on your horse then there’s a range of green, chemical free, fly sprays for horses on the market. Natural products are much safer for your horse and the environment but are generally less effective. Natural repellents will usually contain essential oils such as citronella, geranium and tea tree. Aloe Vera is also a common ingredient which is great for your horse's skin.
Some owners choose to make homemade horse fly spray to repel flies, using ingredients like cider vinegar or lemon juice as well as essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Even though they're natural, they're potent and can irritate the skin, so take caution when using them in DIY repellents. For the best results consult a professional aromatherapist for advice about making a homemade fly spray for horses.
Along with chemical free fly repellents, there are other holistic things you can do to keep the flies away. Feeding your horse a garlic supplement will make them less appealing to flies. Or if you have a horse who really suffers, even with adequate spray protection, you can use spray plus a good fly sheet, the best horse fly boots and an equine fly trap to help keep the flies off.
Choosing the Right Horse Fly Repellent for Your Needs
When it comes to choosing from the range of fly sprays for horses on the market, there are a few points you should consider to ensure you pick the right one.
Check the Concentration
Some fly sprays are more powerful than others, and this is because they are more concentrated. You can check on the label to see the exact percentage. Lower percentages are generally cheaper but have to be applied more often.
Application Method
Some horses simply cannot bear being sprayed so you might have to choose a different method of application from a spray bottle. Alternatives to sprays are plentiful, you can by wipes, creams, lotions and roll-ons to name just a few. Wipes and roll-ons are great for covering delicate areas such as the eyes and are also small and convenient to carry around. Another great option for the eyes is to use a horse fly mask.
Your Horses' Skin
If your horse has a skin complaint such as sweat itch, dryness or other irritations then consider buying a repellent that can help with this. Lots of sprays now come with Aloe Vera, this is the best fly spray to use on horses with dry or sensitive skin.
Added Extras
Fly sprays come with a range of extra added ingredients. For horses in sunny climates consider choosing a spray with added sunscreen. If you're showing a lot then sprays with added coat conditioner will provide an extra sheen and for exercise choose a sweat resistant spray.
How Much Fly Spray Does a Horse Need?
This all depends on your horse's needs and the brand that you're using. Some brands offer 14 days of resistance while others require a daily application. For daily applications, the standard amount is around 2oz, approximately 45 sprays. Some owners like to apply extra protection during peak insect hours at dusk and dawn. Insect repellent will come off during showering so it will need to be re-applied afterwards.
Why is a Skin Test Important?
Before applying a new spray to a horse it's important to do a test on a very small area of skin first and leave it for 24 hours. This is to make sure that your horse isn't sensitive to the new product. The best place to do a patch test is on the horse's armpit. If your horse does have a negative reaction it's better that it's concentrated to a small area of skin rather than over its whole body.
How to Apply Fly Spray
Once the horse has shown no adverse effects from the spray, then you're ready to use it on the whole body. The convenience of a fly sprayer is that they make application very easy. For maximum coverage and protection, you should clean your horse first. Use a curry comb then brush off the dust and debris. This makes sure that the spray is sticking directly to your horse's coat and won't fall off with any dirt during the day.
A common mistake is that people put on too little fly spray. Simply administering five or six sprays isn't going to be effective. A good covering of fly spray should make your horse feel slightly damp to the touch. Never spray directly onto your horses' face, use a cloth or sponge to apply it to these areas instead. Avoid putting spray on the membranes of the eye or places like the gentiles where there's no hair protecting the skin.
You should always carefully follow the manufacturers instructions. Some manufacturers advise brushing or rubbing in the fly spray afterwards with a medium stiffness brush or cloth.
Reviews of the 5 Best Fly Sprays for Horses Available
To help you in your search for the best horse bug spray, we've reviewed five of the best ones we've found.
1. Farnam Equisect Fly Repellent
This is a great water-based repellent that combines synthetic chemicals and plant extracts for complete protection against a range of biting insects. A mix of citronella, clove and mint makes it not only smell great but is also kind on sensitive skin. This 32 oz spray bottle can also be used on your dogs and cats too so it's handy that you can get it in gallon bottles for refilling.
2. Espree Aloe Herbal Horse Fly Spray
This is one of the best and most effective natural sprays on the market. It comes in a 32 oz bottle and it's made in the USA. It contains organic Aloe Vera which will make your horse's coat look great and protect it against the sun. This spray smells beautiful with a mix of citronella, cedarwood and eucalyptus to naturally deter insects.
3. Pyranha Wipe N Spray
Wipe N Spray is a powerful pyrethrum based spray that will provide enduring protection for your horse with minimal applications. It has added conditioner that will make your horse's coat sheen and citronella extract which gives it a pleasant smell.
4. Absorbine Ultrashield EX Insecticide and Repellent
This is a very powerful water-based repellent that will deter up to 70 different species of biting insects. The advanced formula used in this spray not only protects against bugs but it also protects against the sun and conditions the coat. The special ultra-bonding technology of Absorbine Ultrashield EX makes it weatherproof meaning it works for up to 17 days. It comes in a 32 oz spray bottle.
5. Farnam Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Spray
This is one of the most popular spray repellents on the market and is highly effective against most biting insects in a range of different environments. The special formula helps to keep your horse protected for up to 14 days. Endure comes in large gallon bottles as well as economical refills and as a roller for delicate application.
Top Choice
When it comes to fly control Farnam is a brand that you can trust and we give it the most credit. The Endure fly repellent is versatile and can be used in all conditions and environments. This makes it the best horse fly spray to choose if you need fly defense for competitions. Endure is an effective spray that lasts for up to 14 days, making it a favorite amongst horse owners for fly care.
Conclusion
When selecting a fly spray for your horse it's important to strike a balance between effectiveness and toxicity. It's normal to be concerned about exposing your horse to chemicals and to ask yourself is fly spray bad for horses. As long as you use only the best fly spray for horses then safety shouldn't be a concern. Repellent sprays go through rigorous testing processes and as long as you follow manufacturers instructions then they're pretty safe to use. Your horse will certainly like the relief that comes from covering it in a repellent fly spray.
