The best fly sprays for horses can kill and repel flies and may also provide protection against other pesky insects during <a href="https://be.chewy.com/10-essentials-to-pack-when-taking-your-horse-trail-riding/" target="_blank">outdoor adventures</a> with your horse. Additionally, having fly repellent accessories on hand—including fly leggings for horses, fly masks, or feed-through—can help to provide additional defense against insects.

Our equine veterinary experts rounded up their top choices for best fly sprays, including what to consider if your horse has sensitive skin, and additional horse accessories to help keep flies at bay while your horse is out to pasture or adventuring with you outside.

Irina Orlova

The 20 Best Horse Treats

The 3 Best Joint Supplements for Horses

How To Load a Horse in a Trailer

Learn More

<a href="https://www.chewy.com/pyranha-wipe-n-spray-fly-protection/dp/178131" target="_blank">Pyranha® Wipe N’ Spray</a> uses a formula that kills and repels flies and other common pests known to nag at horses. You can apply it directly on your horse or spray it into a cloth before rubbing it into their coat. The spray for horseflies has an earthy scent from citronella oil that’ll also make your horse smell great.

The best fly spray for horses acts as a 2-in-1, containing lanolin that conditions and shines your horse’s coat, but the formula may also leave a greasy residue behind. Our vets like this equine fly spray’s ready-to-use formula and its ability to kill or repel more than 70 types of insects.

Additionally, Pyranha is a <a href="https://pyranhalife.com/about" target="_blank">family-owned business</a> that has a long history researching and producing products for horses.

Pyranha® Wipe N' Spray Fly Protection Horse Spray, 32-oz bottle

A fly spray that keeps bugs away while giving your horse a nice shiny coat.

The Ecovet® Fly Repellent Horse Spray uses a silicone-based formula that repels flies and other insects. Unlike most other fly sprays for horses, the best natural spray for horse flies doesn’t contain ingredients that may irritate the skin (especially if your horse is sensitive to certain ingredients).

This spray has an easy-to-apply-formula that leaves a scent of natural lavender and sage. However, the odor may be too strong for some <w:sdt id="1549957043" sdttag="goog_rdk_9"></w:sdt><w:sdt id="1894611867" sdttag="goog_rdk_10"></w:sdt>horse owners and horses if they are sensitive to fragrances. Our veterinarians praise this spray for its natural ingredients and for being a <a href="https://eco-vet.com/pages/meet-our-team" target="_blank">veterinarian-owned company</a>.

Ecovet® Fly Repellent Horse Spray, 18-oz bottle

An oil-based formula that may work better for horses that are sensitive to traditional fly spray ingredients.

The Farnam® Simplify Feed-Thru suits horse owners seeking an alternative to horse fly sprays. The formula includes <a href="https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/10878-central-garden-pet-farnam-simplifly-feed-thru-fly-control-with-larvastop" target="_blank">LarvaStop</a> Fly Growth Regulator® and diflubenzuron to stop a fly population from developing. All you need to do is add the pellets to your horse’s feed to repel insects.

The pellets don’t contain the <w:sdt id="-219132474" sdttag="goog_rdk_13"></w:sdt><w:sdt id="-358509141" sdttag="goog_rdk_14"></w:sdt>pesticide organophosphate (which while commonly used in insecticides, can be toxic at high levels). The pellets quickly pass through the manure to deter a breeding ground for flies. Keep in mind that the feed may not eliminate the entire fly population.

Our veterinarian experts find the supplements to be a great addition to a horse’s fly prevention protocol.

Farnam® SimpliFly Feed-Thru Fly Control Pellets Horse Supplement, 3.75-lb bucket

A feed-through fly repellent supplement you can add to your horse’s diet.

It can be a nuisance to reapply fly spray multiple times daily to maintain its effectiveness. The Pyranha® Wipe N’ Spray’s formula kills and repels flies, mosquitoes, and gnats to keep your horse insect-free. One application directly to the coat or wiped with a cloth can last four or more hours.

The best waterproof horse fly spray contains the ingredient lanolin. Lanolin leaves a nice sheen on your horse’s coat and can repel sweat and water.

Our veterinarians agree the brand is reputable, and the spray’s formula adheres well to the horse’s hair follicles, making them more water-resistant.

This horse fly spray makes its second appearance on the list, thanks to its longevity and waterproof abilities.

Most horse owners know pesky ticks can latch onto their horses. The <a href="https://www.chewy.com/absorbine-ultrashield-red-insecticide/dp/226202" target="_blank">Absorbine® Ultrashield Red</a> is a horse fly spray that works against several other insects, including ticks.

Our vets chose this spray as the most suitable for tick prevention. It can reduce the risk of your horse getting a tick bite and becoming sick.

It contains five active ingredients to protect your horse during trail rides and other adventures. However, these ingredients may irritate your horse if they have sensitive skin.

Absorbine® Ultrashield® Red Insecticide & Repellent Horse Spray, 32-oz bottle

A fly repellent that also protects your horse from ticks. 

Your horse may need sun protection and fly prevention in the hot summer months. The <a href="https://www.chewy.com/kensington-protective-products/dp/304057" target="_blank">Kensington® Catch Mask</a> is a horse face mask that keeps flies away from your horse’s face and reduces the chances of sunburn. Available in three colors and sizes, these fly masks are designed for everyday wear and overnight use.

Our veterinarians chose this mask because it can provide supplemental fly and sun protection for light-haired or light-skinned horses.&nbsp;

A potential downside is you’ll likely need to purchase a spray or feed supplement to get more protection against flies and other insects.

Kensington® Protective Products UViator CatchMask Horse Fly Mask, Deluxe Black, Medium

A horse mask that keeps flies away and may prevent sunburns.

If left unprotected, your horse’s feet and legs are vulnerable to biting flies that may carry disease. These fly leggings for horses have a plastic mesh that prevents flies from entering the boots. The design can also keep botflies from laying eggs in the boots.

While fly sprays and repellents can wear off, fly leggings can last all day without having to reapply any product. Aside from fly protection, our veterinarians like these fly leggings for horses because they don’t come loose or cause skin irritation to the horse.

Shoofly® Leggins Horse Fly Boots, 4 count, Orange, Small

A pair of horse fly leggings that steer away biting flies.

A fly sheet may be more accommodating for your horse if you live in extremely hot or cold climates. This horse fly sheet protects your horse’s neck and body from pesky flies. The sheet is made of durable and breathable material, so your horse can comfortably move in it. In addition to serving as a fly repellent, it also offers UV protection as your horse enjoys turnout in the sun.

Our veterinarians believe this fly sheet provides the most mane-to-tail protection from flies, and suits horses that are more sensitive to fly bites.

While these fly sheets for horses cover most of your horse’s body, you must purchase a pair of boots separately if you want to protect their legs and feet.

Rambo Flybuster Vamoose No Fly Zone Horse Fly Sheet, Oatmeal/Sage, 72-in

A comfortable horse fly sheet providing neck and body protection against flies. 

The 7 Best Fly Sprays for Horses and Best Fly Repellent Accessories

The product reviews in this article are compiled from feedback provided by a panel of veterinarians that are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD. 
 
Veterinarians are asked to provide honest reviews of the products based on their knowledge and practical experience and review information published by the manufacturer. The opinions expressed are their own and not reflective of Chewy. Manufacturers cannot pay to be included in Vet Verified, and product reviews are never made available to manufacturers before publication. Similarly, the veterinary review panel does not receive any external compensation of any type for their review. Product links are to Chewy’s website where the product can be purchased.

The best fly sprays for horses can kill and repel flies and may also provide protection against other pesky insects during outdoor adventures with your horse. Additionally, having fly repellent accessories on hand—including fly leggings for horses, fly masks, or feed-through—can help to provide additional defense against insects. Our equine veterinary experts rounded up their top choices for best fly sprays, including what to consider if your horse has sensitive skin, and additional horse accessories to help keep flies at bay while your horse is out to pasture or adventuring with you outside.

Learn all about the best fly sprays for horses, including what fly repellent accessories every horse owner should keep in mind when combating pesky insects on horses.

Help us make PetMD better

Learn More