The Best Fly Spray for Horses

If you are all about going natural, but still want those bugs gone, Espree's Natural Fly Spray is your new go-to. We picked this fly spray for the best natural fly spray because it checks all the boxes and then some! This spray crushes the stereotype of "natural fly sprays", because this stuff really works. We are talking about high customer ratings and serious fly-repelling power without a single harsh chemical.

Its gentle blend of natural ingredients, including soothing aloe vera, not only stops flies, gnats, and other winged menaces, but it also helps calm irritated skin. Bonus: it has added sunscreen and coat conditioners to keep your horse's coat healthy and their skin protected. It is even safe for you, your dog, and around the barn. (Yep, it is that safe!) Oh, and did we mention it is cost-effective? One bottle makes five quarts, so you are saving money while giving your horse (yourself, your dog, and your barn) a break from irritating flies and chemicals. Natural, powerful, and cost-effective? We say yes! For more information on natural fly sprays, be sure to visit our Guide to Natural Fly Sprays!

A fly spray concentrate lasts longer than your typical fly spray bottle; simply mix the concentrate with water to keep flies at bay for months! When it comes to choosing our top concentrated fly spray, we are looking at two main factors: major bang for our buck and a formula that is seriously effective. The Equicare Flysect Super-C is the concentrate that tops our charts for 2025. With just one bottle making 5 quarts, this spray is a cost-effective solution. But it is not just about savings, it repels four types of flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and nasty chiggers, kills insects on contact, and keeps working for days.

We also love the bonus perks: it is safe for foals, includes lanolin and aloe coat conditioners for a silky-soft finish, and added PABA sunscreen for UV protection. And don't stop at your horse, you can even use it around the barn! To keep mixing ratios safe and effective, pair this concentrate with the easy-to-measure Horses 36oz Spray Bottle and you're ready to roll!

When it comes to fighting off the summer swarm without the greasy residue, water-based fly sprays are the way to go. They are gentle on your horse's skin while packing a powerful punch against pests. That is why we crowned Absorbine UltraShield Gold the reigning champ in this category! This isn't your average bug spray—it's armed with cutting-edge technology that disrupts insects' homing system (yes, your horse is invisible to bugs now). Field tested and ranked sky-high in effectiveness, it fends off over 100 insect species, including the nasty culprits behind sweet itch, and keeps working for up to 17 days—even when the weather takes a turn. Bonus points: it smells like a fresh blend of citrus and leather!

Sun protection isn't just for you! Your horse's skin and coat need it too, especially when the sun is blazing during the spring/summer fly season. Farnam Tri-Tec 14 Fly Repellent Spray brings UV-fighting power and serious multitasking magic to your grooming kit, making it our top pick for sun-smart fly control.

When the sun is blazing down on that trail ride you have been planning all week, grab the Tri-Tec 14 to repel six types of flies, PLUS gnats, mosquitoes, lice, and even deer ticks looking for a free ride. Sweat-resistant and long-lasting, this water-based formula keeps things clean with no greasy residue, just a silky smooth coat thanks to added conditioners. Spray it on and ride out, knowing your horse is protected from bugs and the sun!

If flies had a worst nightmare, this would be it. Pyranha Insecticide Aerosol Fly Spray absolutely dominates as our top pick for premise fly control, and trust us, your entire barn will thank you!

This powerhouse spray contains Piperonyl, one of the strongest fly repellents available, fending off flies (5 types), gnats, and mosquitoes—the full line-up of flying pests that make life miserable at the barn. This makes it a no-brainer for treating fly hotspots in your barn, like stalls, aisles, or other hangout zones where bugs like to loiter. What makes it even better? Its continuous spray nozzle allows you to easily mist down large areas without giving your hand a cramp. Bonus: It's horse safe too, and famous for leaving behind a signature Pyranha show-ring ready shine. One spray for total coverage, making happy people and horses!

When it comes to fly sprays, this year's MVP is Farnam Endure. With five-star reviews that never end, customers call it their "go-to", "favorite, by far," and even the "best, hands down." And once you try it, you'll understand why.

Endure's secret weapon? RepeLock conditioner that actually bonds to the hair shaft. Translation? Long-lasting protection that sticks with your horse through sweat, rain, and hose-downs, with up to 14 days of serious staying power.

This spray doesn't mess around with pests. Flies, gnats, lice, and even deer ticks (the Lyme disease-carrying kind), it tells them all to buzz off. Bonus: It contains added sunscreen that protects your horse from sun bleaching and harmful UV rays. Bottom line, if you are looking for "the one", make it the one everyone is already obsessed with. Endure earns its place at the top season after season.

The first two things you need to ask yourself before selecting a fly spray are: "Does my horse have sensitive skin?" and "What type of bugs are problematic in my climate?" Every state or country can have a very different battle with bugs. While oil-based sprays stick better, they can be too hot for some horses in humid climates; a stronger, water-based formula would be best there. In a milder climate near a body of water where bugs can be intense, an oil-based spray can be the perfect match.

Fly spray is safe to use on the face, but the sensitive eye and nose areas should be avoided. Strong smells from fly spray can cause sinus irritation. It is recommended to spray some of the product on a rag or your hand, then wipe it on your horse's face. Some fly sprays are designed in a roll-on or salve version for easier application to the face: Fly Ointment, Salves, and Spot-On Treatments.

Some fly sprays are safe for humans and other animals, such as dogs. This information will be listed on the bottle or container. If you do not see a specific listing for "Human-Safe," then that spray should not be used on humans. The same applies for dogs; those fly sprays that are safe for your other furry friends will have an additional "Dog-Safe" listing on the bottle.

The majority of fly sprays on the market are safe for daily use. Most horse owners apply a decent amount of fly spray every 2 to 4 days to keep their horses fully protected. Oil-based fly sprays can build up on the skin, and your horse may therefore require bathing after a series of applications to remove the residue.

A water-based fly spray will not cause your saddle to slide if it is sprayed under the saddle pad or blanket. Oil-based sprays have the potential to cause some sliding, so we'd recommend spraying oil-based fly sprays after fully tacking up, or after the saddle pad has already been placed on the horse.

In especially hot, humid, buggy climates, sometimes a fly spray alone won't cut it. Or maybe your ultra-sensitive horse just can't handle the ingredients of a fly spray. You can provide your horse additional protection with fly masks, boots, and sheets that are built for the hot, insect-filled months. Additional fly traps are great for tack rooms and anywhere bugs go to bug you!

If you have tried products before that have caused a reaction, try to recall whether it was due to a chemical or essential oil. Considering this can aid you in deciding whether to try a natural or chemical fly spray option for your sensitive horse. Sometimes, sensitive horses can require more than one fly spray type for different uses. For example, applying an oil-based spray on just the legs and tail for "stick" without causing excessive heat or irritation. Then, a water-based option can be used on the body for a more breathable barrier that doesn't coat the skin as heavily as an oil-based spray.