Best Horse Fly Sprays of 2024

The pleasures of spring and summer come with a challenge for horse owners: deterring flies, mosquitos, and any other little pests. Fly sprays are a convenient product to have on hand in order to protect our beloved equines from pesky bugs. It is important to keep a few considerations in mind with so many options on the market, like whether your horse is sensitive to certain ingredients; this can make it tricky to determine the best fly spray for your horse. You will also want to make sure to choose a fly spray that is effective against the pests in your particular environment.

Are you a beginner wanting to learn more or just curious to compare fly sprays? Quick answers are given in our frequently asked questions section near the end of the article. In this annual buying guide, we evaluate a full range of fly sprays from natural to water-based to bring you our staff's top picks for the season. Without further ado, here are our winners!

Our Top Picks by Type

Our Review: If you're looking for natural fly protection for your horse, Equiderma provides one of the most effective and long-lasting formulas on the market today. It uses natural ingredients that not only deter flys and pests but stop their growth and development, making your barn a no-fly zone. It has been tested in a multitude of climates, so you can use it anywhere with confidence. Additionally, it is safe for horses and humans alike so you can be bug-free too! This fly spray is also a great option for horses with sensitive skin thanks to gentle ingredients, like aloe. For more information on natural fly sprays, be sure to visit our Guide to Natural Fly Sprays!

Our Review: 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! The Repel-X PE Emulsifiable Fly Spray kills and repels six species of flies, mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, and ticks. This long-lasting formula is also sweat and water resistant to keep your horse comfortable during the fly season. When using a concentrated fly spray, it is important to carefully follow the instructions provided to ensure a proper mixing ratio to be effective. Creating a ratio of your own with any fly spray concentrate formula can cause irritation to your horse's skin. Pair this concentrate with the Riding Warehouse Spray Bottle and you're ready to roll!

Our Review: A water-based fly spray is our choice for sensitive horses. The water-based formula does not irritate most horses and does not attract dust or dirt, as oil-based fly sprays tend to do. The Farnam Tri-Tec 14 Fly Repellent Spray protects against six types of flies, gnats, mosquitoes, lice, and deer ticks. Using water as the base in place of oil, this long-lasting fly spray protects from bugs without attracting additional heat. Farnam's Tri Tec 14 even features sun protection to help reduce the effects of harmful sun rays, particularly a sun-bleached coat!

Our Review: A fly spray with sunscreen added in can help your horse's coat stay shiny and rich in color while also protecting their skin. Absorbine UltraShield EX Fly Spray Repellent offers one of the most advanced formulas on the market today, and we are big fans. UltraShield EX kills and repels more than 70 species of insects while offering waterproof Ultrabond technology, plus multiple sunscreens to provide well-rounded protection. This fly spray also features coat conditioners to help keep your horse's coat healthy, even in hot and humid climates!

Our Review: The Barn Barrier Natural Fly and Mosquito Repellent by Eqyss is a field-proven citronella-free formula that protects your barn area from multiple species of pesky flies. This super gentle spray is environmentally friendly, making it safe to use on your tack and equipment as well as around your barn. The light, fresh scent is an added bonus, rather than the heavy chemical smells of other fly repellents. The blend of natural ingredients makes this spray both horse and human safe; you can even spray it on yourself for your own fly protection!

Our Review: Our Riding Warehouse customers love the Pyranha Wipe N Spray Fly/Insect Repellent season after season, and it's easy to see why. This formula by Pyranha is one of the most consistently tough sprays out there. It uses Lanolin that helps the spray "stick" to your horse's coat, but also conditions it to achieve that healthy shine. Pyranha Wipe N Spray contains 1.0% Piperonyl Butoxide, which is one of the strongest fly treatments offered. This fly spray is perfect for climates with high insect activity, or for horses with lower bug tolerances.

This natural fly spray also features Neem Leaf Tea, Aloe Vera Gel, Neem Oil, and Citronella. These ingredients not only repel insects, but can stop their growth and development as well. Spray on your horse, yourself, or around your barn to greatly reduce the pesky fly population!

Q: How do I know which type of fly spray is best for my horse?

A: 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.

Q: Is fly spray safe to use on my horse's face?

A: 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.

Q: Is horse fly spray safe for humans?

A: 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.

Q: How often should I use fly spray on my horse?

A: 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 horse 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.

Q: Will fly spray make my saddle slide?

A: 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.

Q: What else can I do to keep flies off my horse?

A: 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!

Q: My horse is super sensitive. What should I try to avoid in a fly spray?

A: 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.

We understand the back and forth most horse owners go through when deciding on a fly spray for their equine. We hope you learned something in this buying guide, or found a new favorite fly spray for your horse! For more fly gear guides, check out our Best Fly Masks and Best Fly Sheets to provide your horse total coverage during the summer months. Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team at info@ridingwarehouse.com or (800) 620-9145. We are here to help fight the bugs alongside you!

Shop the Best Fly Sprays of the Year