Horse Fly Spray Ingredients You Need To Know

Horse fly spray ingredients are often considered by horse owners who are looking to make their own fly spray. In this article we take a look at the different ingredients fly sprays include, and also make some product suggestions should you not want to make your own.

Horse fly spray is a summer essential. When looking for the best fly spray for horses, it’s hard to know what will work and worth spending our hard earned money on! Turning to horse fly spray and lotion’s labels, it’s even harder to decipher what ingredients are actually repelling the flies and providing our horses with the best protection.

So we’ve dissected the ingredient list for you, to show you exactly how your horse fly repellant is working. We have also rounded up the best fly spray and repellents containing these key ingredients to speed up the hunt for your next go-to lotion or spray!

Horse Fly Spray & Their Active Ingredients

• Permethrin & Cypermethrin

Permethrin and cypermethrin are types of ‘Pyrethriod’ fly repellants, which are synthetically produced to mimic natural fly repellants.

Approximately 200 years ago, it was found that dried and crushed flowers of the chrysanthemums plant, were toxic to insects. Fast-forward to today, and the natural extracts of the plant are mimicked synthetically to kill bugs. Although having an instant effect, the substance can be hard to find in fly repellants.

Permethrin and cypermethrin are not recommended for use on horses but can be used on equipment and surroundings to deter flys.

 

• Benzyl Benzoate

Benzyl Benzoate is one of the key ingredients to look out for in fly repellents. As a mix of sodium benzoate and benzyl alcohol, it is completely safe to apply to your horse! Used to treat scabies in humans, it is a fantastic itch-prevention solution, used most commonly on sweet-itch suffers. 

Benzyl Benzoate solutions are advised to be used before itching begins, as it cannot be applied to broken skin. Applying twice daily until irritation lessens, you can then use the solution just 3-4 times a week, as a preventative measure!

• Citronella

Citronella is the most commonly used substance in equine fly sprays, leaving behind an extremely recognisable citrus smell. Citronella is produced from the essential oils of Lemongrass leaves and stems. In humans, it is used is used in soap, candles and even perfume. However, in horse’s it is famous for its fly repelling abilities.

 

• Horse Fly Spray Ingredient – DEET

DEET stands for N-Diethyl-m-toluamide. DEET and works to create a vapour barrier around the skin surface, deterring bugs from landing on it. Providing long lasting protection, the substance has come under fire for its potentially toxic effects. However, at the concentrations used in commercial fly sprays and the amount the horse would have to be exposed to, to result in any negative side effect, DEET products should not be of concern.

• Horse Fly Spray Ingredient – Neem

Neem is another natural key ingredient to look out for in fly repellants. As an Indian evergreen plant, it has been prized throughout history as an all-purpose remedy. Now used in fly repellents, the extract is is drawn from the seeds of the plant’s fruit.

Neem is a nontoxic, environmentally friendly fly repellant option, in comparison to chemical fly repellents. Also, Neem has anti-histamine effects, great for Sweet-Itch suffers as it soothes the fly bite and consequent allergic reaction. Neem provides excellent moisturising properties for the skin as well!

• Horse Fly Spray Ingredient – PMD

Otherwise known as Menthogylcol, PMD is extracted and refined from lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora). Not only does the extract work to repel flies, it also has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties; perfect to use of areas of broken skin, on top of normal treatment.

Studies have shown that PMD is as effective as DEET in its fly repelling abilities, when used in the same quantaties. So, if you’re cautious about using DEET-based products, why not try something containing PMD instead!

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