The 7 Best Fly Spray for Horses in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks

As a horse owner, it can be disheartening seeing your poor horses covered in annoying flies. Not only do these insects annoy horses and their riders, but some of them can also bite. High humidity and heat make for the perfect fly breeding ground in the summer months. If an onslaught of flies is tormenting your horses, you need the best fly spray for horses.

These sprays are meant to protect your beloved horses from harmful flies. With this guide, you will learn why these sprays are essential and how they can work to keep your horses more comfortable during the summer when flies are most active.

Why Should You Use Fly Sprays On Your Horses?

If you are a new horse owner, you may not realize the dangers of exposing your horses to hordes of flies. One of the biggest dangers is the transmission of disease. Flies are filthy creatures, and they live in cesspools. If they carry bacteria and diseases, your horse could be in danger.

While not all flies bite, most that hang out and irritate horses do. Stable Flies cause especially painful bites, and they will attack your horse’s legs and flanks. These bites are so painful they cause horses to stomp, which could be dangerous if you are riding them. Stable Flies can transmit equine infectious anemia to your horses.

Horseflies attack the chest, neck, withers, and legs, producing painfully annoying bites. When these incessant flies attack, your horse could suffer from itching and painful bites. Horseflies can also transmit equine infectious anemia.

Other annoying flies include Gnats, Face Flies, Horn Flies, and House Flies.

Not only do you have to worry about flies attacking your horses, but you also must worry about ticks and mosquitoes. Thankfully, the best natural fly spray for horses also helps deter other biting insects from annoying your horse and causing discomfort.

Our Favorite Fly Sprays for Horses

Image	Product	Features	Price
OUR TOP PICK	Pyranha Wipe N Spray	Fast-acting and lasting Easy to apply Pleasant smell Ready To Use	Check Price
	Farnam Simplifly Featuring LarvaStop	Block with Physical Barriers Repel and Kill Pests Reduce Pest Population	Check Price
	Absorbine UltraShield EX for Horses	Strongest formula Weather-proof No mixing Bugs & sun	Check Price
	Farnam Endure Fly Spray	No strong smell Easy to use Protects for up to 2 weeks weather-proof & sweat-proof	Check Price
	PYRANHA Wipe N Spray	Offers multiple applications Ready to use Contains conditioners	Check Price
	Farnam SWAT Fly Ointment	Easy to apply Offers superior protection Used on horses and dogs Works for hours	Check Price
	Espree Aloe Herbal Fly Repellent Horse	Easy to apply It has a pleasant smell Works to repel flying insects Completely organic	Check Price

Top 7 Picks — Fly Spray for Horses

As owners of a beloved herd of horses, there is no way we would compromise the health of our animals. We have completed hours of research into different sprays and their ingredients to come up with our top 7 best list of horse sprays. Read the following reviews to arm yourself with information on making a purchase.

#1) Pyranha Wipe N Spray

With its active component, pyrethrum, the Pyranha Wipe N’Spray Fly Protection Spray is mainly developed to remove all sorts of flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks from your horse. It’s ready to use, simple to apply, and comes in a large one-gallon bottle for long-term usage and cost-efficient spending.

Thanks to its innovative formula, you only need to buy a spray bottle and spritz it on your horse’s coat without adding water. It’s strong enough to get rid of the pests, so only an ounce or two is needed for one horse. It kills on contact and has a long-lasting impact, repelling any flies that might wish to hang around and pester your space or horse.

The presence of the ingredient lanolin, which keeps your horse’s coat protected and conditioned, is another unique characteristic. Unlike other repellants and killing sprays on the market, Pyranha’s Wipe N’Spray includes a pleasant citronella perfume to keep your horse smelling fresh while keeping the biting pests at bay.

The Pyranha Wipe N’Spray is the best and most effective option today for optimum protection against those bothersome bugs that may harm your horse.

Featured Highlights:

1. Fast action killing of insects on contact
2. Includes lanolin for conditioning
3. It comes in a one-gallon bottle for long-term use
4. It has an aromatic citronella scent

#2) Farnam SimpliFly Featuring LarvaStop

When researching the best fly spray for horses, I could not find many sprays that killed fly larvae. When flies land on horses, they often leave their eggs behind, which can cause skin irritations.

This Farnam feed additive helps to reduce the flies in your barns and pastures.

Yes, I know it is not a spray, but I included it in this list because it works. If you have ever seen the number of flies hanging around manure piles, you know it is essential to do something to bring their numbers down, or your horses will never be at peace.

The active ingredient in these pellets is Diflubenzuron. Diflubenzuron interrupts the fly’s cycle, so it dies before reaching adulthood. It is safe for horses, but you should carefully follow directions for the best results.

I was a little concerned my horses would immediately shrug it off. They are rather spoiled with their feeding habits. The formula said it was highly palatable, so I tried it and was quite impressed. My horses gobbled it right up with the rest of the feed. ( Check for best feed for horse weight gain ) So, I had to wait to see if it made a difference.

Their manure smelled the same, but I immediately noticed fewer flies. With fewer flies, my horses were not swatting their tails or stomping much, which let me know this product was doing as promised.

Featured Highlights:

1. This product is easy to use. You add it to your horse’s feed and allow them to eat it.
2. These pellets contain an active ingredient called Diflubenzuron, which helps destroy flies in all stages of life.
3. The bucket comes in 3.75 pounds, 20 pounds, and 50 pounds. I bought the 50-pound bucket for my big herd.
4. This pellet promises to reduce the fly population around your horses by as much as 97-100%.

#3) Absorbine UltraShield EX for Horses and Ponies

When researching the options for horse fly sprays, I came across this brand in many horse forums. Absorbine promises this spray repels over 70 species of biting flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. With such big promises, I had to check it out.

I like that this product says it is good for 17 days because it takes a lot of work to constantly apply fly sprays to your herd daily. The formula is weather-proof, containing aloe, coat conditioners, and sunscreen to protect your horse from the harsh sun.

What is neat about this spray is it can also be used as a perimeter spray for added protection against annoying flying insects. This product is safe for horses, ponies, mules, and even dogs.

To tell you how respected this spray is, they are the official fly spray brand of the United States Equestrian Federation. I figured I could surely use it on my animals if they trusted it.

This stuff does last a long time. I was quite impressed that it kept working even on two of my horses that are profuse sweaters. While I did not get a full 17 days of work out of one application, it lasts around two weeks — which is fine.

Featured Highlights:

1. This product does what it says. It kills on contact and repels all types of insects, even bees.
2. The spray is easy to apply, but it is essential to carefully follow the directions for the best application.
3. The active ingredients are Permethrin 0.50%, Pyrethrins 0.10%, and Piperonyl Butoxide 1.00%.
4. This spray conditions the horse’horse’sand protects their skin from sun damage.

#4) Farnam Endure Fly Spray for Horses

Yes, this is the second Farnam product we are reviewing, and that is because we truly trust the brand. The company has been around for over 70 years and continues to produce some of the best fly sprays on the market.

As the name says, this spray is meant to stay in place for a long time. The bottle claims it will offer protection for up to fourteen days. Farnam has patented their RepeLock conditioner, which is proven to coat the hair shaft thoroughly, protecting against flies and ticks that may carry Lyme Disease.

Endure comes in three types for your convenience. There is a pump spray, a roll-on, and an EZ pour gallon.

I recommend buying the gallon size if you have a large herd to cover. This spray claims it is sweat-proof and weather-resistant, so I used it on my biggest horse, and boy does he sweat!

I have to say, Farnam Endure passed the sweat test with no problem at all. This is not concentrated, so you do not have to worry about mixing it with water. It is ready to go right when you open the bottle.

Make sure you carefully follow the directions. You will need to first apply every five to seven days to build up protection. After that, you will only need to reapply every 14 days.

Featured Highlights:

1. Whether you use the roll-on, spray, or refill, this product is straightforward to apply and does not make a big mess.
2. This spray contains the active ingredients of Pyrethrins 0.20% and Piperonyl Butoxide 1.00%.
3. It keeps the horse’s tail and coats beautifully shiny due to deep conditioning.
4. This spray kills flies and ticks on contact and helps repel them.

#5) PYRANHA Wipe N Spray Horse Protection for Flies

If you are looking for a convenient spray bottle application for one or two horses, this Pyranha Wipe N Spray is one of the best. Each bottle is 32 ounces, and you can purchase bundles of three bottles. Wipe N Spray features a Pyrethrins-based formulation, so you know it will be effective on all types of nasty flies.

This will give you at least 15 applications per bottle because you only need about one to two ounces per horse. You apply this spray directly to your horse and then brush it in.

The lanolin in the spray acts as a coat protectant and conditioner, and your horse will shine when you use it as directed.

What I like about PyranhPyranha’s sprays is they smell nice. The smell will not repel your horses, but the flies and other insects sure will be! I applied and carefully brushed my mare, and her coat was beautiful. From the very first application, she was much more comfortable.

You can apply this product with a cloth or with a spray. Either application requires your horse to be clean, so brush them thoroughly to remove loose hair and dirt. The cloth method has you wipe the product on the horse and then rub it in by touching it. The spray is the same way. Simply spray until the coat is slightly damp, and then brush in.

Featured Highlights:

1. A little goes a long way so that a single bottle will offer at least 15 applications.
2. This product truly kills and repels all types of flying and biting insects.
3. This spray contains the active ingredients of Pyrethrins – 0.1% *Piperonyl Butoxide, Technical – 1.0% Butoxy Polypropylene, Glycol – 15.0%.
4. The spray offers a pleasant Citronella scent.

#6) Farnam SWAT Fly Ointment

Here again, we have another excellent Farnam product to review. This time, we are reviewing an ointment. If you own horses or have been around them, you know flies are attracted to wounds. If your horse has any cut or abrasion, the flies will start to swarm.

This thick ointment helps to shield your horse’horse’ss and keep those darn flies away. The ointment helps to shield the wound and promotes faster healing.

You can also use this ointment in areas where it is difficult to use traditional fly sprays. This is your answer if your horse has sensitive areas that keep getting covered in flies.

I found this ointment to be more like a paste. I usually put this product on my horse’s polls to add extra protection to these sensitive areas.

It is important to note that if your horse has a deep wound, do not apply the ointment directly into the wound. Deep wounds should be protected with an edge application only. Apply it around the edge of the ointment, so the wound is not irritated.

It is important to use care when applying around the eyes. Use a light layer above and below, but never get too close to the eyes because it may irritate.

Featured Highlights:

1. This ointment provides a thick layer of protection, so flies don’t attack your horses where they have injuries.
2. A little goes a long way, so this tub of ointment will last a long time.
3. This ointment contains these active ingredients: Piperonyl Butoxide, Technical* 0.5%, Pyrethrins 0.2%, and Di-n-propyl Isocinchomeronate 1.0%.
4. This product does not irritate the skin or trap heat.

#7) Espree Aloe Herbal Natural Horse Spray

Suppose you prefer to use only natural products on your horse. In that case, you might want to consider purchasing this Espree aloe herbal spray. Although I like the idea of natural sprays, I have not always had the best of luck with them, so I was a little leery regarding this spray.

Because Horse Journal rated this spray as one of the best, I decided I would check it out so I could offer a review. I like that it contains only natural, organic oils, so I do not have to worry about exposing myself or my horses to chemicals.

I was not expecting a lot out of this spray, I will be honest, but I was pleasantly surprised that it started to work right away.

The spray is ready to go, so you do not have to mix. It contains ingredients that help to condition the horse’horse’sand it works at repelling flies and other flying insect pests.

If your horse gets bitten to the point of drawing blood, you need this spray. After applying, my horses could stand still and enjoy their hay without constantly kicking and stomping. It was quite amazing to see!

Featured Highlights:

1. This product does not contain any chemical insecticides that could harm your horse.
2. The spray is easy to use and works for hours.
3. The active ingredients are Citronella Oil 0.1500%, Cedarwood Oil 0.1000%, and Eucalyptus Oil 0.0756%.
4. This product helps to promote a healthy coat.

Things To Consider Before You Purchase a Horse Fly Spray

As with all things, not all fly sprays are created equal. Careful research helps choose a spray. Consider a few different things before making a purchase.

Ingredients

The ingredients are among the most important considerations when purchasing the best-rated fly spray for horses. Some fly sprays contain ingredients that are not entirely beneficial for your horse. Although they have been deemed safe for use, they can cause skin irritations, especially if your horse has sensitivities. Carefully reading the list of ingredients and knowing what each one does is important. The following are some common ingredients in fly sprays for horses.

• Pyrethrins – Pyrethrins come from the chrysanthemum flower and are all-natural. This is one of the best ingredients for deterring flies with vapor smells. This spray helps to create a strong vapor barrier that keeps flies and other biting insects from landing on your horse.
• Permethrin – This ingredient provides a coating on the horse’horse’sand it works in two ways. It helps to repel insects, but it also kills them on contact. This is one of the stronger ingredients, and it will not break down in exposed sunlight, making it ideal for all-day protection.
• Piperonyl Butoxide – This ingredient works as an insecticide and is meant to kill annoying flies and insects of all types. It also prevents flies from being able to metabolize permethrins and Pyrethrins. Hence, they are more effective in deterring these insects.
• Citronella Oil – This natural ingredient helps to repel flies and other insects, including mosquitoes. Its scent is pleasing to the human nose, but insects seem to detest it. Incidentally, Citronella Oil is also used in many topical and candle insect repellents for humans, so it is a safe ingredient.

Safety

You need to make sure the horse fly spray does not contain any ingredients that could be harmful to your horse. Your horse’s health is your highest priority. If you do not recognize the names of any ingredients, research them and ensure they are truly safe and do not have any undesirable side effects that could cause harm to your horse.

Effectiveness

Researching the different options and reading horse fly spray reviews will help make a wise choice. Although reviews should not replace your research, they can complement the information you glean from studying. If there are a lot of bad or negative customer reviews, you may want to choose another product. Consumers are fairly quick to inform others if they are unhappy with a product.

Sweating

If your horses are active and sweat a lot, you may consider purchasing a sweat-proof fly spray. Some sprays are more likely ineffective if your horse sweats a lot. The sweat can water down the spray or wash it away, depending on the sweat level. Choosing a sweat-proof spray will allow it to stay in place without weakening when your horse is sweating profusely.

Frequency of Application

Before purchasing any fly spray, you need to check how often it needs to be applied. We recommend purchasing a fly spray that will last at least one to two weeks. This is especially important when managing a large herd because the application can be tedious and time-consuming.

What Is the Best Fly Spray for Horses?

While there are a lot of choices on the market, we believe the best of our top 7 list is Absorbine UltraShield EX. This spray is like a fly spray hitman. It kills over 70 insects, and you can spray it around your barn or house to keep insect pests out.

The best natural fly horse spray is Espree Aloe Herbal Fly Repellent. While it does not work as powerfully as the other versions, it does work, and you do not have to worry about chemical additives that might harm your horses.

FAQs for Fly Sprays for Horses

We horse owners take great pride in keeping our herd healthy and strong. One of the most annoying issues for you and your horses is biting flies during the hot summer. The flies are attracted to your horse. We get a lot of questions regarding our fly spray for horses reviews. Hence, we decided to put together this little FAQ section to help answer some important questions our readers ask.

Is using a fly spray on horses dangerous?

While the fly spray is not dangerous when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, some ingredients can cause problems with a horse. This is why we cannot stress enough to carefully read labels and know what you put on your horse. Just because it says the ingredients are safe does not mean they are!

How do you apply a fly spray to your horse?

The application process should be carried out according to the bottle directions, but you should take a few steps.

• Curry and brush your horse to remove loose hair and any dirt. A clean application is vital for the highest level of protection.
• As stated, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to wear protective gear, and each type has its application steps.
• Carefully shake the bottle to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed before you apply.
• Do not spray the product on your horse; it could be sprayed into their eyes. Instead, apply the spray on a soft cloth to the face.

What types of insect pests will fly spray work for?

These sprays are meant to repel and kill all flies, including Stable Flies, Horn Flies, Face Flies, and Barn Flies, among others. They also repel and kill mosquitoes, ticks, cockroaches, and other crawling insects that may invade your horse.

Final Words

We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need for ensuring your horses are properly protected against biting flies that annoy them and put their health at risk. Our review of the best fly spray for horses should allow you to be armed with the information you need to make the best purchase for your horse.

When these sprays are used according to directions and with safety in mind, they can repel and even kill all the flying and crawling insects that attempt to attack your horse, especially those that bite.