Flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks and other biting insects are a nuisance to horses and humans. These common pests can also spread disease, and their annoying buzzing encourages horses to stamp their feet, increasing the chances of chipped hooves.
Fly spray is part of a horse care routine that helps keep your equine partner comfortable and healthy.
Key takeaways
- The best fly spray for your horse depends on which formulations suit you and your needs.
- Pyrethrins and Permethrin are ingredients proven to kill insects.
- Natural repellents must be applied consistently to work effectively.
- Make sure your horse's fly spray targets insects found in your geographic area.
- Use alternative applications for horses that may have sensitive areas.
Why fly spray is essential for horse health
Insects can ruin a pleasant ride, ruin your performance or interrupt your horse's nap. Insect bites can cause welts, sores, and skin irritations, such as itching, that require veterinary care. Insects can also carry diseases such as:
Horse fly sprays, especially when used in combination with veterinarian-recommended vaccines, good stable management practices and fly control equipment like sheets, masks and boots, help reduce the risk of disease transmission. These products also help your horse feel more comfortable and focused during work.
Types of Fly Sprays for Horses
To choose between types of horse fly sprays, start by understanding the formulations and ingredients.
Chemical fly spray
Chemical fly sprays generally use two types of active ingredients:
- Pyrethrins, derived from chrysanthemums, cause a rapid knockdown effect, killing insects quickly. However, they break down quickly in the sun. Additional ingredients in a formulation can prolong the effectiveness of pyrethrins.
- Pyrethroids are synthetic pyrethrins, the most common being Permethrin, Cypermethrin, and Resmethrin. Sunlight does not break down pyrethroids as quickly, allowing them to remain effective for several days.
Chemical formulas such as Tri-Tec 14 are strong, fast-acting and long-lasting.
The tradeoff is that they can irritate horses with sensitive skin and raise environmental concerns.
Chemical fly sprays come in two different formulations: oil-based and water-based.
Oil-based fly spray
Oil-based formulations like Pyranha Wipe N' Spray tend to work quickly and last longer, but they also attract more dust.
They also amplify the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn in sensitive areas.
Water-based fly spray
Water-based formulations like UltraShield EX may be less irritating to horses with sensitive skin. These sprays don't attract as much dirt but require more frequent applications.
Natural fly spray
Natural fly sprays, like this one from Absorbine, use essential oils such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, cedarwood, geranium, and citronella.
Natural ingredients are more environmentally friendly and often better tolerated by sensitive horses. However, they generally require more frequent reapplication, especially in hot or humid conditions, and are more fragrant.
Alternative applications
There are several methods of applying fly repellent. These four are good options for targeted use and application around sensitive areas:
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Spot-on products like Equi-Spot are applied in the same manner as feline and canine flea and tick treatments and provide protection against ticks and other insects.
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Roll-on products like Fly Bye! have a rolling ball, which makes it easy to apply around the nose, ears, mouth and wounds.
- You can also apply fly spray to a cloth and wipe it away or use an ointment like Swat, which is useful in the ears and on the stomach or around small wounds to minimize infection from these parasites.
Although they look similar to tick collars for dogs, be careful not to use products marketed for riding dogs.
5 key factors to consider when choosing a fly spray
Choosing the right fly spray for your horse can seem difficult. These five factors can help you make the best choice.
1. Effectiveness against specific insects
Choose a fly spray formulated to target the most common insects in your area. Even within a geographic area, insect populations vary. For example, ponds and other standing water are more likely to have mosquitoes than dry areas, so check product labels to find a fly spray that is most effective against mosquitoes and flies.
2. Duration of protection
Some fly sprays are designed for daily use, while others provide multi-day or sweat-resistant protection. Long-lasting fly sprays for horses are useful for turnout, trail riding or competition days.
3. Horse skin sensitivity
Horses with sensitive skin benefit from alcohol-free, hypoallergenic or natural formulas. Look for manufacturers that make fly sprays for sensitive horses and always test a new product before full-body application.
4. Weather and Driving Conditions
Sweat, rain and humidity can quickly destroy fly sprays. Consider water-resistant formulas for rolling or extended turnout during peak bug season.
5. Fragrance strength
Strong odors can deter insects, but they can also bother sensitive riders and horses. Choosing between scented and unscented fly sprays depends on your preference and your horse's reaction.
Fly spray ingredients to look for (or avoid)
All fly repellents should include a label listing the ingredients. Research ingredients that work and which ones to avoid.
Effective ingredients
Pyrethrins and Permethrin are widely used for their proven insect repellent power. Natural ingredients like lemongrass, cedarwood, geraniol, peppermint, lemongrass and clove oil can be effective repellents for some horses when reapplied regularly.
Ingredients to avoid
Harsh alcohols can dry out the skin and worsen irritation, especially with frequent use. Horses with allergies may also react negatively to certain essential oils or synthetic additives.
How to Apply Fly Spray Safely and Effectively
Always read a product label for application instructions. The “Usage” section explains proper use, including distance from the horse and frequency of application.
Once you have read the label:
Insects can become resistant to pesticides. Alternating products formulated with different ingredients can help maintain the effectiveness of the fly spray.
Horse Fly Spray FAQs
How often should you apply fly spray to horses?
The label on a fly spray should tell you how often you can safely apply it. Factors such as sweat, humidity and product formulation will determine the frequency of application.
Is natural fly spray as effective as chemical fly spray?
Natural fly sprays can be effective, but they generally require more frequent reapplication than chemical options.
Can fly spray cause skin reactions?
Yes. If your horse has sensitive skin, start with a small area when trying a new product.
