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Horse Fly Control Made Easy: 7 Proven Solutions
Table of Contents
Caring for horses involves managing pests like black flies, deer flies, ticks, mosquitoes, mites, gnats, and lice. To effectively repel these pests, a combination of repellents may be necessary, depending on your location. For example, horse owner Julie Schultz emphasizes the need for products that target both flies and ticks. Experts recommend a multi-faceted approach and suggest various products that can tackle multiple pest species in a single application
Our top picks for horse fly sprays and repellents are designed to provide effective protection for your horses. We've selected products that offer long-lasting effectiveness, weather resistance, and broad-spectrum protection against various insect species.
Editor's Favorites
No : 1 Best Overall
No : 2 Best for Sensitive Areas
No : 4 Best for Horses with Wounds
No : 5 Best for Foals
No : 6 Best Face Mask
No : 7 Best Fly Leggings
No 1 : Best Overall
What We Love:
- Effective against over 70 insect species
- Kills many pests on contact
- Provides long-lasting protection for up to 17 days
- Suitable for use on dogs and ponies in addition to horses
What We Don’t Love:
- May irritate animals with sensitive skin
- Must be kept away from waterways, drains, and gutters to prevent environmental contamination
Absorbine UltraShield EX Insecticide Spray is a powerful solution that kills or repels over 70 pest species, including stable flies, house flies, horse flies, deer flies, mosquitoes, gnats, midges, chiggers, ticks, fleas, and lice.
Its water-based formula is non-oily and easy to apply, providing long-lasting protection for up to 17 days, even through rain and sweat. The formula also includes sunscreen and coat conditioners like aloe and lanolin to promote skin health.
This versatile spray can be applied directly to a horse's skin or used as an area spray to drive insects away from stable stalls, trash cans, and more. It's safe for use on horses of all ages, and is also effective for use with dogs (except for foals and puppies under 12 weeks). The convenient bottle design allows for vertical and horizontal spraying
No : 2 Best for Sensitive Areas
What We Love:
- Convenient and easy to use
- Repels multiple types of flies and biting gnats
- Long-lasting protection for up to 7 days
What We Don’t Love:
- Limited size options (only one size available)
Ideal for sensitive areas, this roll-on repellent provides gentle protection for your horse's face and other areas. Easy to apply, effective, and long-lasting (up to a week), it safeguards against various pests and diseases without attracting dirt or debris. Unscented and gentle, it's a great addition to your pest management routine
Expert Guidance:
We consulted with top equestrian experts, including Sarah Farley, Paula Hitzler, Tracy Rowe, and Julie Schultz, to ensure our recommendations are informed by the best in the field
Other Options Considered:
Pyranha Wipe N' Spray: effective, but lacks water resistance.
Farnam SimpliFy Feed-Thru: edible repellent, but may not provide sufficient protection
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Fly Repellent for Your Horse
Application:
- Always read the label carefully before applying any product to your horse
- Most products are best applied after bathing and brushing the horse
- Look for products specifically designed for horses, ponies, foals, and/or dogs to avoid drying out the coat's natural oils
Pre-Application Grooming:
- Use products like rubber curry brushes, grooming mitts or cloths, mane and tail detanglers, and soft washcloths to clean and prepare the coat
- Quality products include Wahl Rubber Curry, Grewal Equestrian Grooming Glove, and BioMane Mane and Tail Brush
Common Pests:
- Face flies, horse flies, deer flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and stable flies are common pests that attract horses
- Each pest has unique characteristics and requires specific repellents
Product Types:
- Oil-based products last longer but can leave an oily residue and dry out the skin
- Water-based products are easier to rinse off but may not last as long
- Products with essential oils or natural ingredients may require more frequent application
Duration of Effectiveness:
- Product duration varies depending on environment, activity level, humidity, rain, sweat, and product constitution
- Oil-based products generally last longer than water-based ones
- Products with essential oils or natural ingredients may require more frequent application
No 3 : Best for Pastured Horses
What We Love:
- Repels and kills nuisance flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and ticks for up to 2 weeks
- Provides ear-to-hoof protection for all breed sizes
- Easy and accurate application with measured doses on each vial
- Excellent for pastured horses
What We Don’t Love:
- Doesn’t always last the desired length of time
Best for Pastured Horses: This long-lasting repellent is ideal for pastured horses and kills and repels mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. It comes in packages of either three or six vials, with the appropriate doses for each part of your horse marked on the sides of each vial. Each vial is long-lasting, working for up to two full weeks. This repellent has a thick, paste-like consistency that resists being washed off by rain or sweat. Made in the United States, it's great for large groups of livestock in addition to pastured horses and comes with a 100-percent guarantee. One drawback is that it doesn't always work for the length of time you have in mind - although sometimes it lasts even a week or two longer. The repellent is scent-free.
No : 4 Best for Horses with Wounds
What We Love:
- Versatile protection for horses, ponies, and dogs aged 12 weeks and older
- Soothes and protects wounds and sores from fly bites
- Safeguards sensitive eye and ear areas from fly irritation
- Concentrated formula ensures long-lasting protection
What We Don’t Love:
- Needs to be reapplied every day for optimal effectiveness
If your horse spends most of its time outdoors, it may be prone to injuries or wounds. In such cases, a thick ointment that stays in place and lasts is essential to keep the affected areas clean and fly-free. Farnam SWAT Original Fly Repellent Ointment is an excellent choice for this purpose, and can be applied to horses, ponies, and dogs aged 12 weeks and older.
This ointment comes in a pink formula that helps locate and identify wounds, making it easier to treat them. The clear variety is more discreet and suitable for less visible areas. Once applied, it protects sores, sensitive areas, and wounds from irritating and painful fly bites. The 7-ounce jar is easy to stash and transport, making it perfect for traveling with your horse.
The ointment is effective for several hours but requires daily reapplication for optimal protection, especially for horses and dogs that spend most of their time outdoors. By using Farnam SWAT Original Fly Repellent Ointment, you can ensure your horse's wounds heal quickly and without further irritation from fly bites
No 5 . Best for Foals
What We Love:
- Enjoy the natural scent of essential oils in this repellent
- Non-greasy formula ensures comfortable application and no residue
- Long-lasting protection from flies, mosquitoes, and gnats for up to eight hours
What We Don’t Love:
- Important to note that this product is not suitable for foals under 12 weeks of age or pregnant/nursing mares, so be sure to check with your veterinarian before use
Keeping flies at bay is crucial for your young horses, and ensuring their safety from harsh chemicals is just as important. Absorbine Ultra ShieldGreen All Natural Fly and Insect Repellent is an excellent choice for foals aged 12 weeks and older, as long as you exercise caution around their eyes and mucous membranes. This repellent boasts a natural formula comprising essential oils of thyme, cedarwood, lemongrass, rosemary, citronella, geranium, and clove, offering protection for up to 8 hours without requiring dilution.
The non-greasy texture ensures comfortable application and won't leave any residue. You can confidently use it daily, knowing it's gentle on your foal's skin. However, please note that there's limited research on the safety of this product for foals under 12 weeks or nursing mares. As a result, some owners opt for homemade solutions or gentle products like Avon Skin-So-Soft, but we cannot recommend these alternatives without further evidence-based research
No 6 . Best Face Mask
What We Love:
- Thoughtfully designed sizes to accommodate various breeds, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit
- Simple and secure fastening system with hook and loop strap, making it easy to put on and take off
- Breathable material allows for airflow, reducing the risk of overheating and discomfort
What We Don’t Love:
- Unfortunately, this product reduces visibility, which may be a concern for some users
For a chemical-free solution to protect your horse's face from flies, consider the Cashel Crusader. Its unique cap design and ear pieces offer unparalleled protection for the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, while allowing for free movement and high-quality sound conduction. This face mask is equally effective in stalls or pastures and features innovative moisture-wicking technology to keep your horse's face dry. The fabric blocks 70% of the sun's harmful UV rays and boasts plush edges and seams to prevent irritation. Known for its durability, the Cashel brand delivers thorough protection from biting flies and UV rays, making it an excellent choice for face protection
No 7 . Best Fly Leggings
What We Love:
- The wrap-around design and hook and loop straps make it easy to secure the leggings in place
- Breathable fabric ensures your horse’s legs stay cool and comfortable
- The washable material makes cleaning and maintaining the leggings a breeze
What We Don’t Love:
- Unfortunately, the leggings may slip or shift during movement, which could affect their performance and protection
Stomping due to fly irritation can lead to stressed horses with damaged hooves and tired leg muscles, making a reliable fly-repelling product a valuable asset for horse owners. Shoofly Leggins are a popular choice, available in four sizes to suit horses from yearlings to mature adults, as well as donkeys. These leggings provide pest-free protection all season long, featuring a flexible mesh fabric designed to stay in place and prevent sagging. Made from durable, breathable material, they break away when needed, helping to reduce inflammation in the legs. By repelling flies and other pests, Shoofly Leggins promote comfortable leg protection, reducing stress and damage to hooves and leg muscles
FAQ
Keeping Horse Flies at Bay
To effectively manage horse flies, a multi-faceted approach focusing on debris management is crucial. According to Sarah Farley, an educator at the University of Illinois, a comprehensive strategy includes:
1. Identifying the pest
2. Understanding its life cycle
3. Monitoring populations 4. Setting tolerance thresholds
5. Implementing control measures
6. Evaluating effectiveness
Farley emphasizes that sprays should be a last resort. Paula Hitzler, Manager of Michigan State University’s Horse Teaching and Research Center, agrees, highlighting the importance of managing manure and waste to prevent pest issues.
Helpful Strategies for Fly Prevention:
– Secure trash bins and empty regularly
– Use fly masks, leggings, and protective barriers
– Employ fans for air circulation
– Eliminate water sources
– Implement effective manure management
– Utilize fly traps and sticky cards
– Attract fly predators, such as parasitic wasps
– Regularly rinse and clean horses and stalls Expert Insights: This article was researched and written by KJ Callihan, with consultation from:
– Sarah Farley, University of Illinois – Paula Hitzler, Michigan State University
– Tracy Rowe, Rowe Stables, LLC
– Julie Schultz, horse owner and Equestrian Science expert
