Updated on March 8, 2023
If you have horses, then you are no stranger to the problem of flies that irritate and bug them. Winter brings some relief, but the moment seasons change, the flies return.
Flies are not only a nuisance for them, but they also spread diseases such as equine infectious anemia and West Nile Virus.
Now, a couple flies here and there are not a problem. But when you have hundreds of them surrounding your horse, you need to take action.
A good fly repellent spray is a must-have for your horses but finding the best spray can be a time-consuming and expensive process without guidance. So keep reading to learn about the handful of products that actually work well.
Related: How to Get Rid of Horse Flies
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Horse Fly Repellent
There are several important things to consider while looking for a specific product, namely:
Company Reputation
While a newcomer to the market could make a good horse fly spray, the guys that have been in business for many years have built up a reputation and a following, so their products must be doing something right.
Cost
Whether you have a few horses or many, the cost of horse fly spray can add up quickly; this is especially important when you consider all the other products needed and additional expenses.
You can’t simply compare two products of the same size to see which is better value for money as some need regular application while others will last a lot longer.
This means that the bottle will last much longer and save you money.
Natural or Chemical
Most products contain chemicals to repel and kill flies and other biting insects, while some are natural.
There are many good natural products, but there are also a number that simply aren’t very effective.
Conditioning and Sunscreen
Although these products’ main purpose is to repel flies, it is beneficial if they contain conditioning ingredients and sunscreen to protect the horse and keep their coat looking healthy.
Pleasant Smell
And of course, the smell! No one wants their horse smelling of harsh chemicals, so look for products that leave a pleasant smell (or no smell) even hours after application.
Best Fly Spray for Horses
#1 – Pyranha Wipe N Spray
- 1 Gallon Bottle
- Effective On Flies, Mosquitoes, Gnats, Fleas, And Ticks
- Ready To Use Formula
Wipe N Spray is an oil-based solution that is long-lasting and water-resistant, and it comes in a 32 oz spray bottle or a 1-gallon top-up bottle.
There is a water-based alternative Spray N Wipe which comes in a blue bottle; this one is not as water-resistant but will not accumulate dust and dirt as the oil-based option.
Wipe N Spray has a pleasant smell thanks to the Citronella; it also contains lanolin which conditions the coat and gives the horse a healthy sheen.
This product repels and kills dangerous and irritating biting insects such as flies, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, gnats, etc. As the name suggests, you spray it onto the coat and wipe it through; most people find it to be very effective and efficient.
This USA-made product is a popular and highly rated horse fly spray that has received a lot of positive feedback from horse owners.
As an oil-based product, some people find it to be a bit oily, but they are happy that it kills and repels flies and other irritations and gives the horse a great look.
Pyranha Wipe N Spray is very popular with the show horse crowd and is effective for up to 14 days. It will leave the horse with a lasting protective coating.
The active ingredients are Pyrethrins (0.1%), Butoxypolypropylene Glycol (15.0%), and Piperonyl Butoxide.
Pyranha Wipe N Spray an affordable fly spray solution for horses with no chemical smell and additional protection and nourishment to the coat.
See Also: 9 Ways to Keep Flies Away From Your Horse
#2 – Farnam Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Spray
- SWEAT-RESISTANT fly, mosquito and tick protection
- IDEAL for the most challenging conditions, won't sweat off
- MULTIPLE ACTIVE ingredients stay active in hot, humid conditions for up to 14...
Farnam has been in the horse care business for more than 70 years, and they make a fly spray for horses that really works.
The Endure spray is sweat and water-resistant for long-lasting results. It comes as a ready-to-use spray in a 32 oz bottle or a larger 1-gallon container that will protect horses from flies, deer ticks, gnats, lice, ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests.
Initially, you will have to apply every 2 to 3 days, but after a while, the protective layer will accumulate, and protection will last up to 14 days.
The active ingredients are Pyrethrins, Cypermethrin, Butoxypolypropylene Glycol, and Piperonyl Butoxide.
It also contains the conditioner ‘RepeLock,’ which attaches to the hair’s shaft for long-lasting benefits.
The Farnam Endure formula is also available in a roll-on applicator, and it is a popular product with equine enthusiasts for long-lasting waterproof effectiveness.
See Also: 4 Best Gnat Foggers For the Money
#3 – Absorbine UltraShield EX Insecticide Spray for Animals
- OUR STRONGEST FORMULA: Kills and repels 70+ species of pests & bugs like flies,...
- WEATHERPROOF: Protection up to 17 days with UltraBond Technology
- NO MIXING: Ready to use, water-based formula for horses, ponies, dogs, barns, or...
Absorbine also has a long and illustrious history in horse care products spanning well over a hundred years. It is a trusted name in a range of products, including one of the best equine fly spray solutions available.
UltraShield EX is a strong, hardworking spray that is highly effective against flies, ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects that plague untreated horses.
The ready-to-use treatment will last up to 17 days, giving protection from flies, ticks, mosquitoes, and the likes.
The formula contains aloe and lanolin for additional nourishment for the coat; another great advantage is that it includes two sunscreens to protect the horse. It is weather and sweatproof, so you do not need to reapply after a run or if the horse gets wet.
The active ingredients are natural Pyrethrins derived from chrysanthemums, Piperonyl Butoxide, and Permethrin. Absorbine UltraShield EX also has a nice Citronella smell and comes in a 32 oz and 1-gallon size container.
#4 – Farnam Bronco Gold Equine Fly Spray
- 2-IN-1 SPRAY repels pests and creates gleaming shine
- KILLS AND REPELS stable flies, horn flies, house flies, horse flies, deer flies,...
- PROVIDES FAST paralysis and kill of flies
Another trusted and effective product from Farnam is Bronco Gold. Made in the USA, it’s available in a ready-to-use 32 oz spray bottle as well as a 1-gallon bottle.
This spray not only repels stable flies, horn flies, house flies, horse flies, face flies, cluster flies, deer flies, mosquitoes, and gnats, it actually kills them.
It uses Permethrin, Butoxypolypropylene glycol, Piperonyl Butoxide, and other ingredients to do this.
To use, simply moisten a soft clean cloth and rub over the horse’s hair against the growth. Pay special attention to areas where flies are most often seen including: neck, facial areas, shoulders, legs, and shanks.
You can also use Bronco Gold as a spray directly on areas in the horse’s stable where flies appear.
#5 – Espree Aloe Herbal Horse Fly Spray
- ALOE & BOTANICAL OILS: Contains gentle aloe and botanical oils to repel pests...
- TOUGH ON PESTS: Formula is proven effective against flies, gnats, and other...
- PROMOTES A HEALTHY COAT: Aloe, citronella, cedarwood, and peppermint oils offer...
If you are looking for a natural, organic solution that is effective without harsh chemicals, Espree Aloe Herbal Fly Repellent is a top choice.
It in both a ready-to-use 32 oz spray bottle, 1-gallon concentrated size, and a 40-count of face/body wipes. Espree products are made in the USA and this is one of the top natural fly repellants available.
Apart from the organic aloe vera, the main active ingredients are cedarwood oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil, giving it a gentle but effective action while also protecting from the sun and giving a healthy sheen to the coat.
The other great benefit is that it has a very pleasant smell, unlike many of the chemical based products.
This is the perfect product for sensitive horses that might already have skin irritation and allergies. It is also safer near the horse’s eyes and nose compared to other products.
The fly spray will not kill flies as it only repels them. And the effect lasts only a few days therefore you will need to reapply it regularly.
Final Words
Horses are beautiful animals that deserve all the love and respect we can offer!
That’s why, when researching equine fly repellent sprays, ensure you are doing your homework and choosing the one which is best suited for your horse.
You cannot allow your horse to suffer the pain and irritation of flies, but at the same time, you cannot afford to choose a product that is ill-suited or inappropriate for your magnificent animal.
In the end, look at the needs of your horses and match them with the features of the repellent, and you will be good to go!
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