Fly Sprays for Horses

The summer months, for most, is our favourite time of the year. Enjoying ourselves, riding in the beautiful weather. However, as flies and other insects love the warmer weather too, it has its drawbacks. Few things are as irritating in the summer than flies, and to make it worse, some species love to bite. Flies can be more than just irritating, some bite horses, possibly causing more serious problems, from infecting open wounds and/or causing skin irritation and dermatitis, especially to horses with sweat itch or with sensitivity to it.

Some horses seem get no rest from flies in the summer, so taking some preventative measures is worthwhile. We have a complete range of fly sprays for horses and sweet itch treatments to help provide some relief and limit the effects.

You may have heard of sweet itch, a skin condition in horses caused by allergic reactions to the bites of Culicoides midges, commonly known as biting midges. These tiny flying insects are smaller than many mosquito species and are active during dawn and dusk. While not all horses are equally sensitive to their bites, some individuals may experience severe itching and skin irritation, especially during the warmer months when midge activity is high. Some breeds are more prone to catch sweet itch; for example, thoroughbreds, foals, and young horses are more susceptible to fly irritation due to their thinner skin and slick coats. It’s important to know that sweet itch doesn’t have a cure but can be treated, so it’s important to keep flies away and be prepared to treat fly bites in the unfortunate case of a horse catching the sweet itch. 

Sensitive horses can suffer severe irritation and swelling around the bite, causing discomfort, and leading to a vicious circle of rubbing, which is only a momentary relief that only leads to more itching, worsening the problem and causing open wounds that may lead to infection and other issues. Sweet itch is not curable but is treatable; all you can do really is provide your horse with relief and take preventive measures. The first step to avoid this problem is to use horse fly spray regularly to repel flies along with fly rugs or sweet itch rugs to keep them as far from your horse as possible.

Another preventive measure is keeping the stable areas clean, eliminating potential sources of water accumulation like unused buckets and objects that may get flooded to reduce the odds of flying bugs leaving their larvae. Also, because midges’ peak hours are dusk and dawn, it’s a good practice to limit turnout and riding to times of the day when they are less exposed.

Also, another way to help your horse become less palatable to flies is to add supplements such as garlic to their diet. Ask your vet which supplements you can give your horse to fight the sweet itch and reduce its symptoms.

Never let flies and other flying pests catch you off guard. Always make sure to have a good supply of fly spray for horses and ponies. Your horse will appreciate it!

The Best Fly Sprays & Repellents for Horses

Horse fly repellent should be a staple in every grooming box, tack room, horse box and trailer. However, it’s important to use effective and proven products. That’s why, at Discount Equestrian, we source only the best fly repellent for horses that make a real difference. They are available in different sizes and formats, like sprays, gels, and roll-on sticks, and they are made of the best ingredients to repel flies and comfort and relieve your horse.

Citronella & Deet Sprays for Horses

Citronella is an oily product derived from the leaves and stems of certain species of lemongrass. It’s a natural product that can effectively deter several species of flying insects, including mosquitoes and flies. Citronella horse fly spray disrupts pests’ scent receptors, making detecting their targets difficult and reducing the odds of bites. On the other hand, deet spray for horses are chemical-based products that work as highly effective repellents. They are powerful blockers of insects’ scent receptors and provide long-lasting protection. Even though there are some misconceptions about its toxicity levels, it’s important to note that DEET doesn’t kill the plagues. All repellents must be approved by the HSE to ensure they are safe to use on horses. Generally, the levels of DEET in horse repellents are lower than the ones found in products for humans.

Sweet Itch Spray for Horses

Sweet itch sprays for horses are specifically formulated to provide relief and protection against the discomfort and irritation caused by sweet itch, alleviating the allergic reaction to the bites of midges or no-see-ums. Sweet itch spray for horses contains ingredients that repel Culicoides midges and other biting insects. They also contain soothing ingredients to relieve itching and inflammation associated with the condition.

Below, you will find some of our best-selling spray repellent for horses in our amazing Fly Sprays and Sweet Itch product range:

NAF Off® Deet Power – “If you are looking for the best spray for horses, DEET is one of the most effective substances for repelling flying insects on the market. DEET has been used to repel bites from insects since 1946, providing excellent protection to the troops in insect-infested areas. Reformulated to be safe for your horse, this deet horse fly spray is excellent for providing extended protection to your horse against flies and other insects.

Absorbine® UltraShield – “This proven formula is an effective preventive solution for protecting yarns and horses' environments from irritating and biting insects. It contains permethrin and pyrethrin for instant knock-down and a long-lasting protective shield. It’s ideal to keep flying insects away from equestrian facilities, stables, barns, and dog sleeping quarters. Notice: NEVER use this product directly on animals.

Lincoln® Fly Stuff – “This cream is an equine version of the Summer Fly Cream, which has been successfully used by farmers on livestock. It contains a combination of powerful antibacterial agents to optimize healing, along with DEET to prevent further bites.”

Lincoln®  Citronella Spray with Aloe Vera – “Citronella fly spray for horses is a natural and efficient way to keep flying pests away. This fly repellent for horses combines two natural products, citronella and aloe vera, to protect and moisturize horses’ skin and coat. It comes in a practical format and a great fly spray for your horse.”

Thomas Pettifer® Switch – “This soothing emulsion contains hydroxybenzoate for horses affected by insect bites. It contains tea tree and rosemary oils to relieve the itch and soreness of existing bites and neem oil to prevent new ones. This proven formula is ideal for horses and ponies prone to sweet itch or for general use as an insect deterrent. It’s recommended to apply it daily with a cloth, focusing on areas like the mane and tail.”

Dermoline® Sweet Itch Lotion – “This effective lotion prevents sweet itch and helps relieve pain and discomfort caused by the disease. It comes in a durable 500cc bottle.”

NAF® Off Citronella Wristband – “This smart product contains citronella oil held in a special compartment inside a silicone wristband, protecting against flying pests while riding or around the yard. It's perfect for wearing on the wrist or ankle, keeping you and your horse protected if you wear it. It’s highly durable, waterproof, and convenient to use.”

Important Considerations: Please always be careful when applying any of these products on your horse, especially near the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Carefully read the label before use. If a product does come into contact with sensitive areas, immediately rinse with water and contact your veterinarian.

Recommendation: Always be prepared with your horse fly spray, especially during the summer fly season and on hot days, regardless of the time of year.

If you need help selecting the best horse fly spray or the right repellent for you and your horse from our Horse Care range, please don’t hesitate to contact the Discount Equestrian team, we’re always happy to help!

Also, check out other products like our fantastic Shampoos and Bathing products and Makeup and Cover Cream to keep your horse’s skin and coat protected, gorgeous, and shiny at all times!