What to Use to Get Rid of Horse Flies on Horses

Horse flies are found in wooded areas and near bodies of water and feed on the blood of animals such as horses. Their bite can cause extreme skin irritation, pain and itching and they can also transmit a variety of diseases such as anthrax. The insect also can aggravate the horse and cause nervous behavior as it buzzes about the animal's head and hind quarters. Fortunately there are several ways to rid your horse of these pests.

  1. Insecticides

    • Many insecticides and powders on the market can go your horse's coat to repel horse flies. These types of products are at most feed stores, tack shops and animal supply stores. Follow the package directions for application of the product.

    Soapy Water

    • Fill a 16-oz. spray bottle up with a mixture of warm water and dish detergent and spray it on any horse flies that come around your horse.The mixture will kill the insects but will not harm the horse. Carry the bottle with you in your saddle bag for easy access while you ride.

    Chemicals

    • Find the horse fly nest if you can and spray it down with a chemical product specifically designed to kill them. Spray the nest at night while all the flies are inside and completely saturate it with the product. Killing the insects at their point of origin will keep them away from your horse.

    Homemade Mixtures

    • Fill a large sprayer with lemon dish detergent, lemon ammonia and mint mouth wash in equal parts and spray it around your horse barn, horse stall and horse arena. The mixture will not hurt any vegetation it comes in contact with and has a pleasant odor, but the smell will repel horse flies.

    Garlic

    • Add garlic powder to your horse's food daily to help repel horse flies and other biting flies naturally. This works as the smell of garlic is secreted along with the horse's natural skin oils. Begin with 1 tsp. each day and increase the amount every couple of days. It will take a few weeks for the garlic to build up in the horse's system. Be sure not to exceed 3 tbsp. of garlic powder in one day. You can also mix 1 part crushed garlic with 5 parts water and leave it soak overnight. Strain out the crushed garlic and fill a spray bottle up with the water. Spray the garlic water on your horse to repel the flies, being careful not to get the mixture in the animal's eyes or on your tack.