Natural Fly Spray for Horses: FAQ, Product Reviews, & Expert Tips

As equine enthusiasts, we must battle pests during the warmer months to keep our horses happy and healthy. Biting insects cause our beloved equines discomfort during rides or while they are enjoying turnout time. There are many fly sprays on the market to help keep these pesky pests off of our horses, and repellents made with natural ingredients have become increasingly popular. One of the biggest questions about natural fly sprays is: are they even effective compared to chemical fly sprays? The second question is: do natural fly sprays cost more than chemical fly sprays? Then with all the DIY recipes out there, what's the difference between making your own repellent and buying a ready-to-go version? In this guide, we will cover all these questions about natural fly sprays and more!

Natural Fly Spray Comparison Chart:

Provided below is a comparison chart of the natural fly sprays we offer here at Riding Warehouse. If you don't see the fly spray you're looking for, feel free to send us a product recommendation to review!

Natural Fly Spray FAQ

Q: What does "natural" mean?

A: When talking about fly sprays, the term "natural" refers to formulas made without DEET, permethrins, pyrethrins, butoxypolypropylene glycol, piperonyl butoxide, and other pesticides. Instead, they often use different combinations of essential oils such as citronella, clove, cornmint, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemongrass, thyme, peppermint, and other botanicals. These botanicals all cause different reactions and effects in insects, either to repel or to kill. Some formulas also use ingredients similar to fatty acids or geraniol, which are known to have insect-repelling properties. Tea tree oil and neem oil are other popular alternatives.

Q: Why choose natural?

A: Two reasons horse owners may wish to choose natural repellents over conventional insecticides are:

• Toxic exposure to horses and humans – Reducing or eliminating chemical exposure for both you and your horse is a valid concern, especially if you or your animal are known to be particularly sensitive to chemicals found in insecticides. The most common reaction is skin inflammation and hives, which can be painful for horses and humans alike.
• Environmental concerns – The production, use, and disposal of conventional insecticides may have a negative impact on soil, water, and air. In most cases, natural insecticides offer a more environmentally-conscious alternative. Known to break down more quickly in the environment, they have a reduced impact on beneficial insects that are vital to our ecosystem. Some natural sprays repel rather than kill to reduce negative effects on important insect populations.

Q: Is natural fly spray cost-effective?

A: We all know horses are not cheap, so most of us have to be budget-conscious about the cost of daily equine essentials like fly spray. There is a wide variety of fly sprays on the market today, with most sprays being priced between $10 to $20 per 32-ounce bottle. This price range holds true for natural fly sprays as well, making them comparable to the pricing of chemical insecticides.

Q: Do natural fly sprays for horses really work?

A: This is the most common concern about natural fly products. Overall, we see the same patterns in efficacy with natural fly sprays as we do with chemical fly sprays; some work well and some do not. One of the biggest factors in whether a certain fly spray will work for your horse has to do with your region and environment. The pests you are combating in Massachusetts will be different from the ones in New Mexico, even more so if you are outside of the US. Knowing your local bug populations is the best way to know which fly products, or fly spray ingredients, to target. Another factor is your barn's environment; do you have any ponds or bodies of water on the property? Are you near or in the woods, or in open space with a lot of direct sun? All of these factors will play a part in whether a fly spray is effective for you and your horse. It can take some trial and error to find which fly spray works best.

Q: How long do natural fly sprays last?

A: Although natural fly sprays are effective, they will not last as long as chemical-based products. This is because synthetic products don't break down as quickly as natural ones; chemical insecticides are not as susceptible to degradation by UV light and oxygen, which breaks down ingredients. This means that natural fly sprays must be applied more often to be effective against flies, typically every eight hours or so. We recommend carefully reading the manufacturer's product label so you can ensure the best results from natural fly sprays. Most need to be shaken well before use to be effective, as the oils will separate.

Q: How do natural fly sprays repel?

A: Most natural fly sprays repel flies through spatial repellency; this means they create a "bubble" around your horse that flies don't want to cross. Chemical-based repellents work through tactical repellency, meaning flies have to land on the treated horse before they are repelled. Most natural fly sprays do not kill flies on contact but instead eliminate the contact altogether. Meanwhile, chemical fly sprays tend to both repel and kill insects.

Q: Are natural fly sprays safe?

A: Natural fly sprays are precisely formulated for safety, stability, and ease of use. However, as with any product, horses can have sensitivities and allergies to certain ingredients in natural fly sprays. We recommend trying any new fly spray over a small area the first time you use it to ensure your horse tolerates it well.

Q: Can I make my own natural fly repellent?

A: Natural fly sprays that are DIY run a higher risk of irritation due to the margin for error in balancing ingredients. If you're using DIY recipes, be sure to follow them closely and obtain them from educated, reliable sources. Our equine experts typically stay away from DIY recipes and instead rely on natural fly sprays for horses from trustworthy brands like Equiderma, Absorbine, and more. Below, we've included a few customer reviews on our favorite natural fly sprays, so you can learn for yourself just how reliable they are!

Natural Horse Fly Spray Reviews

"The BEST fly spray. I've tried quite a few at this point (Bronco Gold, Ecovet, SmartPak's Outsmart, UltraShield) and all had their downsides. The big gun chemicals like UltraSheild and Bronco Gold worked, but I wasn't so keen on getting all that insect repellant all over my horse, in the air for us to breath in, and inevitably some of it ending on me. The natural ones either didn't work for me OR they didn't work AND they sent me into a sneezing fit. Then along comes Equiderma. Full disclosure: I've yet to use a single one of their products I didn't love, and this was no exception. It noticeably repels the flys. It smells great and doesn't make me sneeze at all. I don't really need to use it on myself, but it is safe to do so which gives me peace of mind putting it all over my horse. On top of all of that, it is a GREAT coat conditioner without making your horse's coat slick. One step saved in the summer months! I love it!" - Anonymous from California on Equiderma Neem & Aloe Natural Fly Spray

"This is a great product! No chemicals to burn my horse's skin, and it really helps keep the nasty biting deer flies off! Economical as a concentrate. I would buy it again!" - Karen from Idaho on Farnam Nature's Defense Natural Fly Spray

"THIS STUFF WORKS!!!!! I have been looking for a while for a great fly repellent. I put this on my horse's face and legs and it works amazing! Works for hours... And smells great too." - Ashley from New Jersey on Bugpellent

"I love this spray and I usually can't stand the smell of most fly sprays, even if they are 'natural.' My horses seem happy with the smell too, and it works to keep the flies, and mosquitoes off. Very pleased." - Trisha from California on Lavender Dreams Farm Fly Repellent

"With the sun, sand and humidity comes mutant-sized flies and mosquitos. These are extremely irritating for horse and rider alike. E3 Fly Spray creates an invisible barrier around you and your horse deterring even the most ravenous flying pest. Boasting all-natural ingredients is a huge plus and it has a pleasant scent making it enjoyable to use. The spray of this product is on the heavier side so you know your horse is being thoroughly covered, instead of the mist blowing away in the breeze. We use this product daily for schooling at home and for our competition times when distractions are least welcome." - Melissa Gallagher of Ardara Sporthorses from Pennsylvania on E3 Fly Spray

DIY Fly Spray Cautions

With natural fly products rising in popularity, a multitude of do-it-yourself guides and recipes have cropped up online. While we don't want to deter anyone from considering a DIY fly spray, as they can be great options for some, they do come with added risks you should consider.

The biggest factor with making your own fly spray is the ratio of oils and other ingredients used. Ready-to-go bottles are carefully balanced to ensure that no single ingredient is concentrated enough to cause skin irritation or burns. Some oils and ingredients can be harmful in excess, or without the proper counter-ingredient. It can be tempting to alter the recipes, thinking that adding more of a certain ingredient you know works to repel pests will make your homemade spray more effective. In truth, too much of a good thing can accidentally harm your equine friend.

On the other hand, DIY fly sprays can be a great option for some horse owners because they provide the added peace of mind of knowing exactly what ingredients are being used, especially for those horses with sensitive or hive-prone skin. Our best advice is: if you think that DIY is your way to go, be sure to get your recipes from educated sources, follow them closely, and thoroughly research your ingredients before use.

Cost is another major factor when deciding whether DIY or ready-to-go fly sprays are best for you and your horse. Making a spray yourself may sound like it should be cheaper than buying something pre-made, but this is not always the case. Essential oils can be quite expensive, and when it comes to the amount you'll need to make bottles of fly spray, the cost can add up quickly. Also, not all essential oil brands on the market are 100% natural, because some contain synthetic materials and binding agents to make them more affordable. If you are considering the DIY route for the cleanliness of the products, keep these things in mind and be sure to do your research on your oils before purchasing.

Natural fly sprays are a great choice for horse owners looking to go green, or those who want to use fewer chemicals around their barn to protect vital bug populations. Choosing natural products doesn't have to break the bank either! Fly spray brands produce quality natural products within the same price ranges as their chemical cousins. If you have any lingering questions or concerns regarding natural fly repellents, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer service team at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com. Shop the link below to see our full selection of natural fly sprays!