What to Use to Repel Flies From Horses

Flies are a constant nuisance to horses and other barnyard animals as they are attracted to them for their smell and body heat. Using a fly repellent alleviates this constant annoyance and pain from the animal, which allows them a more peaceful life. The repellents range from common household items to specially formulated products that all offer varying benefits and additives.

  1. Petroleum Jelly

    • Petroleum jelly is an ideal fly repellent for horses as it moisturizes their skin and keeps the flies from landing on that section of skin. Apply the jelly to the area on the neck, face and head where flies frequently land. The petroleum jelly offers economical fly control which lasts a few days from one application. It is available from most drug stores, big box retailers and farm stores.

    Commercial Repellent

    • There are a variety of fly repellents designed for use on horses that conveniently are applied via a spray bottle. They include a combination of ingredients that attach to the horse's skin and hair to repel flies and other harmful pests for a duration of one to two weeks. Many also have other additives beneficial to the horse such as sunscreen and skin moisturizer. You will find these sprays in a range of sizes and formulas at local farm stores, pet stores and online retailers. Roll-on applications offer an alternative to the sprays and offer more control for application of the product. You roll the product onto the area most affected by flies which prevents the product from getting into the eyes or mouth.

    Fly Repellant Bands

    • Fly repellent bands are specially designed bands that fit around a horse̵7;s neck and are treated with fly repellent. This keeps the repellent away from the horse's mouth and eyes and effectively keeps flies away. They generally last for a few weeks and can be reused by reapplying fly repellent to them.

    Homemade Solutions

    • You can create homemade repellents out of household items that are safe for the horse. Possible ingredients include vinegar, natural citronella, Avon Skin So Soft, water, lemon dish soap and eucalyptus oil. When a combination of a few or all of these ingredients is applied to the horse, flies are deterred by the odor as well as the taste when they land on the skin. You use the water or vinegar as a base then add the thicker consistency items in small quantities of a teaspoon or two.