Imagine walking into your barn on a hot summer afternoon, only to hear the frantic stomping of hooves and the constant swishing of tails. Does your horse spend more time pacing his stall to escape biting flies than actually grazing in the pasture? For many horse owners, these buzzing pests are more than just a nuisance; they are a source of genuine stress, skin irritation, and even illness for our equine companions.
Choosing the right defense against flies can feel like an impossible task. Walk into any tack shop, and you will find shelves packed with endless sprays, masks, traps, and supplements. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, and it is even more frustrating when you spend your hard-earned money on a product that simply does not work. You want to provide relief for your horse, but you need a solution that is both effective and safe.
In this guide, we will cut through the confusion and help you find the best strategy for your specific needs. We will break down how different products work, which ingredients to look for, and how to build an integrated system that actually keeps the flies away. By the time you finish reading, you will have a clear, actionable plan to keep your horse comfortable and happy all season long. Let’s dive into the best ways to reclaim your barn from the fly invasion.
Top Fly Control For Horses Recommendations
- EFFECTIVE - Contains active ingredient Novaluron, which is an Insect Growth Regulator. This new generation technology is 99.9% effective at breaking the fly life cycle to help eliminate the fly population in your barn.
- SAFE - Unlike other brands, our active ingredient is not an organophosphate, and is completely safe for horses.
- PALATABLE - Administer one serving of our alfalfa and wheat midd-based pellets to your horses daily with their feed.
- AFFORDABLE - MultiFly is just as effective as other brands, at a lower daily cost to you.
- MADE IN THE USA - All of our products are manufactured in our facility in Colorado, since 1946.
- Feed-Through Fly Control for Horses: SimpliFly breaks and prevents the fly life cycle in manure, helping reduce stable fly populations and providing reliable fly control for horses in barns, stalls, and pastures
- Stops Flies Where they Breed: The active ingredient diflubenzuron passes through the horse unabsorbed and works directly in manure to prevent fly larvae from developing into adult flies
- Safe for Daily Use in All Horse Breeds: Add palatable alfalfa-based pellets to your horse's daily feed for consistent fly control in stalls, pastures, paddocks and dry lots
- Season-Long Fly Population Reduction: Begin feeding in early spring before flies appear and continue through summer and fall to support ongoing barn fly control and stable fly prevention
- Feed Thru Fly Control Supplement: SimpliFly works best alongside topical fly sprays and physical barriers like fly masks for integrated, whole-barn pest management
- CONTINUOUS PROTECTION with targeted, spot-on application; 14 days of protection
- KILLS AND REPELS house flies, stable flies, face flies, horn flies, eye gnats and ticks for effective pest control
- FIGHTS MOSQUITOES that may transmit West Nile Virus and kills and repels ticks that may transmit Lyme disease
- WEATHERPROOF SWEAT-RESISTANT formula; stays effective through rain, sweat and outdoor conditions; ideal for pastured horses
- NO DAILY APPLICATION NEEDED; convenient spot-on tubes make it easy to protect your horse, even when you can’t be there every day
- EFFECTIVE - Contains active ingredient Novaluron, which is an Insect Growth Regulator. This new generation technology is 99.9% effective at breaking the fly life cycle to help eliminate the fly population in your barn.
- SAFE - Unlike other brands, our active ingredient is not an organophosphate, and is completely safe for horses.
- PALATABLE - Administer one serving of our alfalfa and wheat midd-based pellets to your horses daily with their feed.
- AFFORDABLE - MultiFly is just as effective as other brands, at a lower daily cost to you.
- MADE IN THE USA - All of our products are manufactured in our facility in Colorado, since 1946.
- Feed-Through Fly Control for Horses: SimpliFly breaks and prevents the fly life cycle in manure, helping reduce stable fly populations and providing reliable fly control for horses in barns, stalls, and pastures
- Stops Flies Where they Breed: The active ingredient diflubenzuron passes through the horse unabsorbed and works directly in manure to prevent fly larvae from developing into adult flies
- Safe for Daily Use in All Horse Breeds: Add palatable alfalfa-based pellets to your horse's daily feed for consistent fly control in stalls, pastures, paddocks and dry lots
- Season-Long Fly Population Reduction: Begin feeding in early spring before flies appear and continue through summer and fall to support ongoing barn fly control and stable fly prevention
- Feed Thru Fly Control Supplement: SimpliFly works best alongside topical fly sprays and physical barriers like fly masks for integrated, whole-barn pest management
- 14-DAY PROTECTION: Fly Deny is made with a long-lasting formula that repels and kills flies, gnats, and mosquitoes for up to 14 days, keeping your horse comfortable and pest-free
- SWEAT & WEATHER RESISTANT TECHNOLOGY: Designed to withstand sweat, rain, and humidity, this advanced fly spray remains effective even in hot or wet conditions. Perfect for active horses during summer rides or turnout
- GENTLE ON SKIN & COAT: Made with horse-friendly ingredients, this fly spray is non-irritating and safe for daily use, providing reliable protection without drying out your horse’s skin or coat
- PLEASANT SCENT: Unlike harsh chemical sprays, Fly Deny features a light, refreshing scent that won't overpower, making application more pleasant for both you and your horse
- WORKS GREAT WITH FORMULA 707 MULTIFLY: Maximize fly control by pairing with Formula 707 MultiFly Feed-Thru Fly Control to target both adult flies, gnats, and mosquitoes and minimize the overall fly population
- PROTECTS ANIMALS - This water-based formula protects horses, beef & dairy cattle, goats, sheep, swine, poultry, & dogs. It can be sprayed directly on livestock when used as directed.
- BUG KILLER - Our product controls horn flies, face flies, house flies, horse flies, fruit flies, stable flies, & deer flies. It also controls species of mosquito, gnat, poultry lice, mite, flea, tick, cockroach, spider, cricket, ant, & more.
- INDOOR & OUTDOOR USE - Horse & Stable Fly Spray can be used indoors for spot applications only. Outdoor applications include lawn & soil treatment & around building foundations to prevent insect infestations.
- LONG-LASTING RESULTS - Horse & Stable Fly Spray's fast-acting formula will keep working up to 4 weeks.
- READY TO USE - This product is conveniently ready to use when it arrives. The spray nozzle makes this product easy to deploy.
- Eggs can take 7-14 days to hatch at 70 DF or higher
- Release Pouches Included!
- Harmless to humans, pets, birds, beneficial insects
- Release monthly during the warm weather months
The Ultimate Guide to Fly Control for Horses
Keeping your horse comfortable is a top priority for every owner. During the summer, flies become a major problem. They cause stress, skin irritation, and even spread diseases. Choosing the right fly control tools will keep your horse happy and healthy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for fly control, look for products that offer full coverage. Fly sheets should cover the horse from the neck to the tail. They need to be lightweight so the horse does not overheat. Look for adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit. For fly sprays, check the ingredients list. Natural oils like citronella or peppermint work well for sensitive horses. Stronger chemical sprays provide longer protection for horses that spend all day in the pasture.
Important Materials
The material of your fly sheet matters for durability. Ripstop polyester is a great choice because it resists tears. Mesh fabrics allow air to flow, which keeps the horse cool in the sun. If you choose fly masks, look for soft, see-through mesh around the eyes. This protects the sensitive eye area without blocking the horse’s vision. UV protection is another vital feature. High-quality fabrics block harmful sun rays to prevent sunburn.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Design quality changes how well a product works. A fly sheet that fits poorly will rub and cause sores on the horse’s shoulders. Always measure your horse carefully before buying. Quality is reduced if the fabric is too stiff or heavy. A good product uses breathable materials that stay soft after many washes. Proper maintenance also improves quality. Clean your fly masks and sheets regularly to remove dirt and debris.
User Experience and Use Cases
Consider your horse’s daily routine when choosing products. A horse that lives outside 24/7 needs a durable, UV-blocking sheet. A horse that only goes out for an hour of exercise might only need a simple fly spray. Many owners use a combination of methods. They apply fly spray before riding and use a fly mask while the horse grazes. Watch your horse’s behavior to see what works best. If your horse seems calm and is not stomping, your fly control strategy is working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I reapply fly spray?
A: Most sprays last for a few hours. Always read the label. If it rains or your horse sweats, you should apply it again.
Q: Will a fly sheet make my horse too hot?
A: Not if you choose the right one. Use light-colored, breathable mesh sheets. These reflect sunlight and keep the air moving.
Q: How do I know if a fly mask fits correctly?
A: The mask should not touch the horse’s eyelashes. It must be snug enough to keep bugs out but loose enough to be comfortable.
Q: Can I use human bug spray on my horse?
A: No. Human products contain chemicals that may irritate a horse’s skin. Stick to products made specifically for horses.
Q: What is the best way to stop flies from breeding?
A: Keep your barn clean. Remove manure daily and keep your water troughs clean to stop flies from laying eggs.
Q: How do I measure my horse for a fly sheet?
A: Measure from the center of the chest to the middle of the tail. This length is your horse’s blanket size.
Q: Should my horse wear a fly mask at night?
A: Usually, no. Flies are less active at night. Taking the mask off allows the horse to groom and rest better.
Q: Are natural fly sprays as effective as chemical ones?
A: They are great for short periods, but chemical sprays often last longer in extreme heat.
Q: Can fly boots help with stomping?
A: Yes. Fly boots cover the legs and protect them from biting flies, which stops horses from stomping and hurting their hooves.
Q: How do I clean my fly gear?
A: Wash sheets and masks in cold water with mild soap. Air dry them to prevent shrinking or damage to the mesh.