Have you ever been enjoying a peaceful day outside, only to be chased by a giant, buzzing insect? If it was big, brown, and bitey, you probably met a horse fly! These pesky bugs are more than just annoying. Their bites hurt, and they can really ruin your fun. Horse flies love to bite horses, too, making both you and your horse miserable.
Choosing the right repellent for these flies can be tricky. There are so many products on the market. Some work better than others, and some might even be bad for your horse or the environment. It’s tough to know what to pick! You might feel confused and frustrated trying to find something that actually works and is safe.
Don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We will explore the best ways to keep horse flies away from you and your horse. You’ll learn about different types of repellents and how to use them. By the end, you’ll be able to choose the perfect repellent to enjoy a bite-free summer. Get ready to say goodbye to those annoying horse flies!
Our Top 5 Repellent For Horse Flies Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Repellent For Horse Flies Detailed Reviews
1. Farnam Repel-X Ready-To-Use Fly Spray
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of flies and pests bothering your horses and dogs? Farnam Repel-X Ready-To-Use Fly Spray is here to help! This spray is an insecticide and repellent. It comes in a convenient 32-ounce bottle with a trigger sprayer. This water-based formula is easy to use right away. It protects your animals and your barn from pesky insects.
What We Like:
- It works hard and is budget-friendly.
- It repels and kills six types of flies, mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, and ticks.
- You can use it on horses, dogs, and around your barn.
- It’s ready to use. No mixing is needed.
- You can spray it on animals, stalls, blankets, and fabrics.
- Refills are available in different sizes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a different scent.
Farnam Repel-X is a good choice for keeping your animals comfortable. It is an easy-to-use and effective fly spray for any barn!
2. Farnam SWAT CLEAR Horse Fly Control for Horses
Rating: 8.7/10
Protect your horses, ponies, and dogs from pesky flies with Farnam SWAT CLEAR Fly Control. This 7-ounce jar of ointment is designed to keep biting and nuisance flies away. It offers targeted protection for wounds and faces. The clear formula makes it easy to use without anyone noticing. Keep this jar handy for quick fly protection.
What We Like:
- Repels flies like house flies and stable flies.
- Easy to put on wounds and faces.
- The 7-ounce jar is easy to carry.
- It has a clear formula. This makes it less noticeable.
- Works well for horses, ponies, and dogs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size of the jar might be too small for some owners.
- The effectiveness of the ointment can depend on the number of flies.
This Farnam SWAT CLEAR Fly Control is a useful product for protecting your animals. It’s a good choice for anyone who wants to keep flies away from their horses, ponies, or dogs.
3. Farnam Equi-Spot
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of flies, ticks, and mosquitoes bothering your horse? Farnam Equi-Spot is a spot-on fly control that gives your horse long-lasting protection. This product is designed to keep working even when you can’t apply fly spray every day. It is perfect for horses that live in pastures. It protects your horse for up to 14 days with one application. You can get it in a 6 or 12-week supply.
What We Like:
- Kills and repels ticks that could spread Lyme disease.
- Controls mosquitoes that might carry West Nile Virus and Equine Encephalitis.
- Works well for horses in pastures.
- Protects your horse when you can’t be there.
- Works even when your horse sweats or gets wet.
- Offers long-lasting protection – up to 14 days per application.
- Comes in a convenient 6 or 12-week supply.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires reapplication every 2 weeks for the best protection.
Farnam Equi-Spot is a good way to protect your horse from biting insects. It gives you peace of mind knowing your horse is protected for weeks at a time.
4. Formula 707 MultiFly Feed-Thru Fly Control Pellets for Horses – Palatable & Safe Fly Population Reduction (5 lb Bag – 91 Servings)
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of flies bothering your horses? Formula 707 MultiFly Feed-Thru Fly Control Pellets can help! These pellets stop flies from growing. They are easy to give to your horses. Just mix them with their food every day. This 5 lb bag has 91 servings. It helps you have fewer flies in your barn. The pellets are made to be tasty for horses and are safe.
What We Like:
- EFFECTIVE – It uses Novaluron, which is a special ingredient. It stops flies from growing. It breaks the fly life cycle.
- SAFE – The active ingredient is safe for horses. It is not an organophosphate.
- PALATABLE – The pellets taste good. They have alfalfa and wheat midds. Horses like them.
- AFFORDABLE – It works as well as other brands. It costs less each day.
- MADE IN THE USA – The product is made in the USA. It is made in Colorado since 1946.
What Could Be Improved:
- None noted.
Formula 707 MultiFly is a good choice for fly control. It is safe, effective, and easy to use. You can protect your horses and barn from flies with this product.
5. Absorbine UltraShield EX 32oz Sprayer Insecticide
Rating: 8.5/10
Tired of swatting away bugs? Absorbine UltraShield EX is here to help! This 32oz sprayer is a powerful insecticide that fights off flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and more. You can use it on your horses, dogs, or around your barn. It’s designed to keep pests away so your animals can be comfortable. This product is made to be effective and easy to use.
What We Like:
- Kills and repels over 70 types of bugs.
- It has UltraBond Technology, which makes it weatherproof. Protection lasts up to 17 days.
- It’s ready to use. You don’t need to mix it with anything.
- It protects against bugs and the sun. It has sunscreens and coat conditioners.
- The product is made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- None.
Absorbine UltraShield EX is a great choice for keeping pests away. It’s easy to use and offers long-lasting protection. This product is a good option for any pet owner.
Tackling Those Pesky Horse Flies: A Buying Guide
Horse flies can ruin a pleasant day for both you and your horse. They bite hard and are annoying. Choosing the right repellent is important. This guide helps you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for these important features:
- Effective Ingredients: The best repellents use ingredients that work. Look for formulas with proven ingredients like pyrethrins or pyrethroids. These are often found in sprays.
- Long-Lasting Protection: You want a repellent that lasts. Read the label. It tells you how long the repellent works. Some offer protection for several hours.
- Easy Application: The product should be easy to use. Sprays are simple to apply. Some come with a pump. Others have a trigger.
- Water Resistance: Horses sweat. A water-resistant repellent is a plus. It won’t wash off easily.
- Safe for Horses: Always check if the repellent is safe for horses. Make sure it won’t irritate their skin.
Important Materials
The ingredients are important. Here’s what to know:
- Active Ingredients: These are the ingredients that repel the horse flies. They are the most important parts. Common ones include pyrethrins and pyrethroids.
- Carrier Agents: These help spread the active ingredients. They can be water or oil-based. Oil-based products may last longer.
- Other Ingredients: Some repellents have sunscreens or conditioners. These can protect your horse’s skin.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect how well a repellent works:
- Concentration of Active Ingredients: More active ingredients often mean better protection. Read the label to see the percentage.
- Formula: Some formulas work better than others. Try different types to see what works best for your horse.
- Application Method: Spraying is easy. Other methods include wipes and roll-ons.
- Environmental Conditions: Heat and humidity can affect how long a repellent lasts. Reapply as needed.
- Horse’s Activity Level: A horse that sweats a lot may need more frequent applications.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the repellent:
- Trail Riding: A long-lasting, water-resistant spray is a good choice.
- Pasture Time: You need a repellent that works well for several hours. Reapply as needed.
- Sensitive Horses: Look for gentle, non-irritating formulas. Test a small area first.
- Ease of Use: Choose a method that’s easy for you. Sprays are usually the easiest.
Now you are ready to choose the best horse fly repellent!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main active ingredients in horse fly repellents?
A: Common active ingredients include pyrethrins and pyrethroids. These are the parts that keep the flies away.
Q: How often should I apply horse fly repellent?
A: This depends on the product and your horse. Read the label. Reapply more often if your horse sweats a lot.
Q: Is horse fly repellent safe for my horse?
A: Most repellents are safe. Always read the label. Test a small area first to check for any reaction.
Q: Can I use horse fly repellent on my other pets?
A: No. Horse fly repellent is made for horses. It may not be safe for other animals. Always read the label.
Q: What’s the best way to apply a spray repellent?
A: Hold the bottle a few inches from your horse. Spray evenly, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
Q: Does water affect the effectiveness of the repellent?
A: Yes, sweat and rain can wash away the repellent. Use a water-resistant formula if needed.
Q: How do I store horse fly repellent?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place. Keep it out of the sun and away from children.
Q: What if my horse has a reaction to the repellent?
A: Stop using the repellent. Wash the area with mild soap and water. Contact your vet if the reaction is severe.
Q: Are there any natural horse fly repellents?
A: Yes, some products use natural ingredients like essential oils. These may not work as well as chemical-based products.
Q: Can I make my own horse fly repellent?
A: It is possible. However, it’s best to use a product that is tested and safe for horses.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!