Horse Owner’s Guide to Fly Sprays: Which One is Right for Your Horse?

Bring On the Summer!

I, for one, am beyond excited for summertime! Summer brings warm weather, long rides, lots of outside barn time, and unfortunately, flies. These pests are more than just an annoyance. They can cause significant discomfort and even health issues for horses. Choosing the right fly spray is essential to keep your horse comfortable and healthy. So, to help you work your way through all of the different types of products available, we’ll explore the different types of fly sprays available, their ingredients, application methods, and tips for selecting the best one for your horse.

Understanding Fly Sprays

Fly sprays are designed to repel or kill flies and other insects that can bother horses. These products come in various formulations, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the different types can help you make an informed decision of what type of spray you want to use on your horse.

Types of Fly Sprays

Believe it or not, there are many different types of fly sprays. Well, actually, there are many different types of fly-repelling products available to horse owners today. But let’s focus on just the sprays for this article.

Chemical Fly Sprays

Chemical fly sprays are among the most effective and widely used. They contain synthetic insecticides that kill or repel flies on contact. Common active ingredients include pyrethrins, permethrin, and cypermethrin.

Pros:

• Highly effective at repelling and killing flies.
• Long-lasting protection.
• Available in ready-to-use sprays and concentrates.

Cons:

• Some horses may be sensitive to chemicals.
• Potential environmental impact.

Natural Fly Sprays

Natural fly sprays use essential oils and other natural ingredients to repel insects. Popular ingredients include citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender oils.

Pros:

• Safer for sensitive horses and humans.
• Environmentally friendly.
• Pleasant, natural scent.

Cons:

• Generally less effective than chemical sprays.
• Requires more frequent application.

Combination Fly Sprays

These sprays combine chemical and natural ingredients to offer the best of both worlds. They provide effective fly control while being somewhat gentler than pure chemical sprays.

Pros:

• Effective at repelling flies.
• Some natural ingredients for added safety.
• Often longer-lasting than purely natural sprays.

Cons:

• May still cause sensitivity in some horses.
• Higher cost.

Key Ingredients to Look For

When selecting a fly spray, it’s essential to understand the active ingredients and their benefits.

• Pyrethrins: Natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers, effective but quickly broken down by sunlight.
• Permethrin: A synthetic version of pyrethrin, offering longer-lasting protection.
• Citronella Oil: A natural repellent with a pleasant scent, but less effective than synthetic options.
• Eucalyptus Oil: Known for its strong, refreshing scent and repellent properties.

Application Methods

When considering how to apply the fly spray to your horse, you need to consider the ingredients. For example, it’s probably not the best idea to spray chemicals or pesticides on your horse’s face. Maybe apply the fly spray on a rub rag or soft towel to apply to the face, around the nose, and ears. This also has the added benefit of removing dust and dirt while giving your horse a gentle rub, which I’m sure they will appreciate!

Horse Owner’s Guide to Fly Sprays

Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the amount and frequency of application. And, you may want to consider testing for sensitivity to the product. Apply a small amount of spray to a patch of skin and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.

When applying the spray, try to apply it evenly. Spray the product over the horse’s body, again avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Reapply as Needed: Reapply according to the label, especially after the horse sweats or gets wet.

Tips for Choosing the Best Fly Spray

Consider Your Horse’s Needs

A natural or combination spray may be the best choice if your horse has sensitive skin or allergies. A more potent chemical spray might be necessary for horses in heavily infested fly areas or at the height of fly season. And if you are concerned about the environmental impact, opt for natural sprays or those with eco-friendly ingredients.

Horse Owner’s Guide to Fly Sprays

Consider how long the spray lasts. Some products provide protection for several days, while others need daily application. Ready-to-use sprays are convenient, but concentrates can be more economical if you have multiple horses.

Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations

Other horse owners and online reviews can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of different products. If you want to learn a lot about fly sprays, potential concerns, or the effectiveness of the spray you are considering, read the reviews.

People seem more likely to leave a review when they have a negative experience with a product. But when they are really impressed, they also tend to want to share the information. So, by taking a few moments to review the product you are thinking about buying, you can educate yourself about how the product should work for you, too.

My Favorite Fly Sprays

And carrying over from the last section, you might wonder what I use on my horses. Let me tell you about a few of my favorite fly sprays that I use on my horses.

Absorbine UltraShield EX

This is my go-to fly spray all summer long. It works well, doesn’t seem to lose its effectiveness, and my horses are not sensitive to the spray itself.

If you buy it in the gallon size, it’s more cost-effective. But the 32-ounce spray bottle is helpful because the sprayer in this bottle allows you to spray it at any angle.

According to Absorbine, Ultrashield EX is the strongest formula they make. This fly spray kills and repels 70+ species of pests and bugs, such as flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and gnats. It has UltraBond technology, which means it stays put longer in the elements, like rain. There is no mixing needed; it’s ready to use. Absorbine Ultrashield EX is a water-based fly spray that can be used for horses, ponies, dogs, barns, or on your premises.

It also includes multiple sunscreens and coat conditioners to keep your horse looking amazing, which is why it is my go-to fly spray year after year.

Fiebing’s Flyspray 44

This fly spray is incredible. For many years, Fiebings Fly Spray 44 was my first choice, but for some reason, it has gotten very expensive.

Fiebing’s Flyspray 44 is a premium fly control product designed specifically for use on horses. It contains a unique blend of four insecticides that provide a long-lasting protective barrier against pests. One application can provide days of protection from mosquitos, house flies, stable flies, horse flies, horn flies, and gnats. It also contains lanolin to give the horse’s coat a high sheen after brushing. I think that is one of my favorite reasons to use this fly spray. It makes my horses look good.

Fly Spray 101

But that also makes them a dust magnet. When I spray this spray on them, they get so shiny. But they get super dusty as soon as I take them out into the arena. And the dust clings to them. I do love this spray, however. It works really well at keeping the flying pests off of my horses.

Horse Owner’s Guide to Fly Sprays

Selecting the best fly spray for your horse involves considering the type of spray, the active ingredients, and your horse’s specific needs. By understanding the different options available and how to apply them correctly, you can keep your horse comfortable and free from the annoyance of flies throughout the summer. Whether you choose a chemical, natural, or combination fly spray, the key is to find a product that offers effective protection and suits your horse’s unique requirements.

And if you want to learn some general tips for having a fly-free summer, check out THIS article!