I live in Florida. It is not all paradise and beaches like some would have you believe. I can literally go into my backyard at 5 pm and have ten mosquitos try to make me their supper in the first five minutes. Trying to do any outdoor excursion comfortably is next to impossible.
Sure, the weather is partly (mostly) to blame. The humidity attempts to strangle you as soon as you dare breach the livable containment that is AC. It is not solely responsible for outdoor aversion, though. Many people wait until evening to attempt outdoor adventures, only to find themselves swarmed by mosquitoes and flies. Now imagine you have no hands with which to smack flying pests. Your only recourse is to swish your tail and give the occasional shake as soon as you’re free, the bugs land back on you. Such is the life of a horse.
Fly spray allows horses to exist in relative comfort whether the fly season is in the works. In Florida, the fly season is all year round. Fly spray is much like insect repellent for humans. Fly sprays can be made from synthetic chemicals, essential oils, or even ingredients like vinegar.
If making your own grooming products, make sure to do your research, and talk to your vet about recommended ingredients. When using any products, synthetic or natural, always do a spot test on your horse to track any reactions your horse may have.
If you’re looking for other ways to control flies on your horse, you can read more about fly control here. Also, check out this article if you need a funny fly mask for horses.
For manufactured fly spray, please refer below to our recommendations.
Synthetic Fly Spray
Chemical-based fly spray is manufactured from synthetic chemicals to repel flies and biting insects.
Farnam Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Spray
This spray is meant to last through water contact. Farnam fly spray can last up to a full two weeks. The spray includes a conditioner that binds to the inner hair follicle to deliver lasting moisture to your horse’s hair while protecting them from harmful insects. Farnam spray repels flies, lice, mosquitos, gnats, and ticks. It even kills ticks that carry Lyme disease. Farnam fly spray is approved for equines of all ages.
Why we love it:
- Fourteen days of pest control in a spray.
- The spray kills ticks and repels lice, mosquitos, ticks, and gnats.
- Mist meant for all ages and life stages.
Absorbine UltraShield EX Fly Spray, Insecticide and Repellent
Absorbine spray kills seventy different species of mosquitos, lice, flies, and gnats. The weatherproofing in this spray means it lasts for up to seventeen days. Aborbine UltraSheild not only has fly repellent capability but also contains sunscreen and conditioners to keep your horse happy and healthy. This spray can be used on dogs, ponies, horses, and around the barn.
Why we love it:
- Repels seventy species for up to seventeen days.
- It contains sunscreen and conditioners to keep your horse looking and feeling great!
- Absorbine can be used to protect horses, ponies, and dogs.
- The fly spray can be used around the barn to eradicate pests.
Farnam Bronco e Equine Fly Spray
Fly repellent that can be used on ponies, horses, and locations. The spray kills and repels horse, stable, deer, horn, and houseflies, as well as ticks, gnats, fleas, chiggers, lice, and mosquitos. Ready to use, water-based formula with a citronella scent.
Why we love it:
- Water-based compound with a citronella scent.
- The spray can be used around barns and stables to prevent pests.
- Available in 32oz and gallon containers.
Farnam Equisect Fly Repellent
Equisect fly repellent is a water-based alcohol-free formula that is gentle enough to be used on cats and dogs as well as horses. Kills fleas and ticks and contains botanical oils to repel flies and other insects. The non-irritating formula for sensitive skin is also non-greasy and has a fresh botanical scent.
Why we love it:
- Equisect chemical repellent to kill fleas and ticks.
- Equisect is also a botanical repellent gentle enough to be used on household pets
- Non-irritating and non-greasy formula.
ECOVET Horse Fly Spray
A chemical repellent that is safe for both horses and the humans that apply it. The active ingredients are fatty acids. ECOVET is backed by proven clinical evidence showing improvement in problems like sweet itch and other reactions to insect irritation.
Why we love it:
- It is a powerful fly repellent while still being safe and natural.
- ECOVET is made from natural fatty acids.
- Backed by science
- Fixes reactions associated with sweet itch and other insect caused irritation.
Botanical and Natural Fly Repellents
Botanical repellents are more natural and tend to be gentler than synthetic repellents. They are recommended for horses with sensitive skin.
Espree Aloe Herbal Fly Repellent Horse Spray
This formula contains citronella, aloe, peppermint, and cedarwood oils to repel insects naturally. The oils provide sun protection and conditioning to the hair, ensuring a shiny, well-conditioned coat. The compound is premixed and ready to use as soon as you receive it.
Why we love it:
- A botanical fly spray made from natural ingredients.
- Gentle on the horse’s skin.
- Conditioning spray to keep your horse’s coat looking great.
Absorbine UltraShield Green Fly Repellent
Botanical fly protection made from seven essential oils, Absorbine repels mosquitos, biting flies, gnats, and ticks. Absorbine is a water-based formula that is safe for everyday use. Safe for use on dogs, horses, and ponies.
Why we love it:
- Water-based fly spray that’s safe to use every day.
- Absorbine is recommended for ponies, horses, and dogs.
- It protects from mosquitos, biting flies, gnats, and ticks.
- Natural and environmentally safe fly repellent.
Farnam Nature’s Defense Concentrate Botanical Fly Repellent
Nature’s defense repels mosquitos, gnats, and flies naturally. It protects against house, stable, horse, and deer flies. With ingredients like clove, mint, citronella, and thyme oil compounded with no artificial colors, additives, or preservatives, this is an eco and equine safe fly spray.
Why we love it:
- Repels against seven different types of biting and irritating pests.
- Nature’s defense contains no artificial colors, additives, or preservatives.
- Eco safe fly spray.
No one likes to be bombarded by flying pests, that includes horses. Protecting your equine friend from pests helps keep them healthy and happy. Without fly protection, your horse could be exposed to Lyme Disease and other insect caused ailments.