8 Best Fly Sprays For Horses & Livestock

As the primary protection against irritating insects, fly sprays play a crucial role for our horses and livestock. These invaluable products shield animals from bothersome flies and prevent the transmission of diseases that these pests might carry.

However, the abundance of choices can make selecting the right fly spray a challenging task.

This article aims to simplify this process by dissecting the features, effectiveness, and safety of eight top-rated fly sprays for horses and livestock, ensuring you have the knowledge to make an informed decision for your animals’ well-being and comfort.

Finding the Right Fly Spray for Your Horse

When choosing a fly spray, it can be hard to know which is best for your horse. Whenever trying a new fly spray, it is best to try it out on just a tiny section of your horse’s skin to make sure they don’t have an adverse reaction.

All-natural fly spray is often the best route for horses with sensitive skin. All-natural fly sprays often contain essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, thyme, and rosemary that most insects do not like. It is free of chemicals that may not be very pleasant to some horses.

Sweat-resistant fly sprays can be beneficial for horses regularly working during the summertime. It will keep working even in wet conditions such as sweat or rain, keeping your horse protected.

Best Fly Sprays For Horses

1. Farnam Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Spray

This sweat-resistant fly spray stays on no matter heat, sweat, humidity, or rain. It is an ideal option for active horses, mainly horses that routinely work.

Endure candays, allowing for one bottle to last longer than most other fly sprayis the only fly spray with RepeLock conditioner, which works to bind to the hair shaft for more coverage. It is designed to last even in challenging conditions.

Not only does it protect horses against biting nuisance flies but also gnats, mosquitoes, and lice. It also repels and kills deer ticks, which could potentially carry Lyme disease.

Pros:

• One application can last up to 14 days.
• Holds up in rain, heat, sweat, and humidity.
• Protects against gnats, flies, mosquitoes, lice and ticks.

2. Absorbine UltraShield EX Insecticide Spray

Weatherproof for up to 17 days, UltraShield has the ability to last even in the toughest conditions. To keep your horse comfortable all summer long, it has the ability to kill and repel over 70 species of flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and gnats.

Not only is this an effective fly spray, but it also works as a sunscreen and coat conditioner as well. It can protect light-colored horses from harmful sun rays while also conditioning the coat with aloe and lanolin. The water-based formula won’t attract dust, helping keep your horse clean.

This fly spray is also safe to use on dogs as well. In addition, you can spray it around the premises of your barn to keep flies away.

Pros:

• Weatherproof for up to 17 days, allowing one bottle to last longer.
• Kills and repels over 70 species of bugs.
• Safe to use on dogs and can be used around the barn premise.

3. Pyranha Wipe N Spray

Not only does this fly spray provide strong protection against flies, but it also gives the coat a high sheen when brushed out. The lanolin works as a conditioner for a soft, glowing coat.

For ease of application, it can be misted or wiped on. Its powerful formula works to stay on even when horses are sweating. In addition to flies, it also kills and repels bothersome gnats and mosquitoes.

The addition of citronella not only works to keep flies away, but also provides a pleasant smell. Due to its oil base, it works quickly to keep your horse protected.

Pros:

• Works to repel and kill flies, gnats and mosquitoes.
• Always works as a coat conditioner.
• Citronella creates a pleasant smell.

Con:

• It is prone to being greasy, attracting dust.

4. Absorbine UltraShield Green All-Natural Fly Spray

This eco-safe fly spray provides top-notch protection while also being safe for the environment and your family. With a fresh, pleasant scent, it contains seven essential botanical oils.

Made from a water-based formula, it is not oily or greasy. The all-natural formula contains no harsh chemicals, which some horses can be sensitive too. It works to protect horses against irritating flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and also ticks. 

In addition to being safe to use on equines, it is also safe to use on dogs. It is a great non-toxic option if you are wanting to avoid harsh fly sprays.

Pros:

• Eco-safe while providing great protection.
• Contains seven essential botanical oils with a fresh scent.
• Safe to use on dogs too.

Con:

• May need to be reapplied more than regular fly spray.

5. Bronco E Equine Fly Spray

Keep your horses and dog safe from pesky biting bugs all day long. Not only does it protect against flies, but also mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, fleas, chiggers, and lice.

To help keep the fly population down, you can even spray it around the premise of your barn. The water-based formula isn’t oily, which will help keep your horse clean. It even has a pleasant citronella scent.

This fly spray provides great protection while coming in at an affordable price. It will help reduce the number of flies on your horse and all-around your barn.

Pros:

• Protects against flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, fleas, chiggers and lice.
• Safe for dogs.
• Budget-friendly price.

6. Farnam Bronco Gold Equine Fly Spray

Bronco Gold protects your horse against all sorts of nasty insects such as flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, fleas, chiggers, and lice. It works to repel and kill these pesky bugs that can cause itchy bites.

Not only does it keep annoying bugs away, but it also works as a grooming aid and coat conditioner to keep your horse looking good. It gives a healthy glow to your horse’s coat when applied regularly. The non-oily formula can be misted wiped-on.

It can also be used around barns to keep bugs away. The fresh citronella scent makes for a pleasant smell when applied.

Pros:

• Works against flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, fleas, chiggers and lice.
• Works as a grooming aid and coat conditioner.
• Has a fresh citronella smell.

7. Farnam Tri-Tec 14 Fly Repellent

Dependable and long-lasting, this fly spray works for up to 14 days. In addition to working against six types of flies, it is also effective against gnats, mosquitoes, lice, and deer ticks.

The water-based formula is non-oily while keeping your horse protected. It holds up well on hard-working horses, keeping them safe from irritating bites.

For extra protection, this fly spray also contains sunscreen. This is ideal for light-colored horses that are particularly sensitive to the sun.

Pros:

• Works for up to 14 days.
• Effective against six types of flies, gnats, mosquitoes, lice and deer ticks.
• Contains sunscreen.

8. Espree Aloe Herbal Horse Spray

This gentle blend fly spray is ideal for horses with sensitive skin. It works to repel flies, gnats, and other flying insects that bite and irritate horses.

A combination of aloe and botanical oils works to repel insects without causing irritation. In addition to protection against insects, the aloe, citronella, cedarwood, and peppermint oils promote a soft, shiny coat. It also contains sunscreen to keep your horse safe from harmful UV rays.

The formula contains human-grade ingredients, making it safe to use. It is environmentally friendly and contains natural ingredients with no artificial dyes while also smelling good.

Pros:

• Repels against flies, gnats and other biting insects.
• Ideal for sensitive horses.
• Contains sunscreen and promotes a soft, shiny coat.

Cons:

• It needs to be reapplied every three hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Water or Oil Based Fly Spray Best?

Fly spray comes in a water or oil base. Both work well to protect your horse from flies and many people have their preference of which one they like to use.

Oil-based fly sprays often work quickly to fight off flies. The bugs can suffocate or even drown in the oil. However, the downfall of oil-based fly spray is that it attracts dust, making it hard to keep your horse clean.

Water-based fly spray makes it easier to keep your horse clean, as dust does not stick to it as it does with oil. Some water-based formulas even include ingredients that make them all-weatherproof as well.

Is Fly Spray Safe to Use for People?

Most commercial fly sprays are not safe to use on people. It is important to read the label on fly sprays to know what to do if you get it on your skin or in your eyes.

Some brands can cause irritation if they come in contact with your skin. It is always a good idea to wash your hands if you get any fly spray on them.

What Else Works to Keep Flies Away From Horses?

In addition to fly spray, fly sheets, fly boots, and fly masks work effectively to keep horses safe from flies and other biting insects. If your horse is extra sensitive to flies, you can use feed through fly protection to protect your horses from painful and irritating bites.

Does Apple Cider Work to Keep Flies Away?

Apple cider is a safe and effective way to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay. It can be added to feed, diluted in water or applied topically. It has other benefits as well such as improving digestion and working as a mane and tail conditioner.

Also, read our guide on how to make homemade horse fly spray.