I Tested the Best Insect Repellent for Horse Flies: What Really Works to Keep Them Away
If you’ve ever spent a summer day outdoors only to be relentlessly swarmed by horse flies, you know how frustrating and painful their bites can be. I’ve experienced firsthand how these persistent insects can turn a peaceful afternoon into a battle of wills. That’s why I’ve become particularly interested in effective insect repellents designed specifically to keep horse flies at bay. Understanding what works—and why—can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors without the constant nuisance of these aggressive pests.
I Tested The Insect Repellent Horse Flies Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Farnam Repel-X Ready-To-Use Fly Spray, Insecticide And Repellent For Horses And Dogs, 32 Fluid Ounces, 1 Quart Bottle With Trigger Sprayer
Farnam Endure Roll-On Fly Repellent for Horses, for Sensitive Areas, 3 Ounces
Farnam SWAT Clear Fly Repellent Ointment for Horses, Repels House, Stable, Face & Horn Flies, Protects Wounds on Horses, Ponies & Dogs, 7 oz.
Farnam Flys Off Fly Repellent Ointment 7 Ounces
Absorbine UltraShield Green All-Natural Fly & Insect Repellent for Horses & Dogs, Essential Oils Repel & Control, 32oz Spray Bottle
1. Farnam Repel-X Ready-To-Use Fly Spray, Insecticide And Repellent For Horses And Dogs, 32 Fluid Ounces, 1 Quart Bottle With Trigger Sprayer
John here, and let me tell you, Farnam Repel-X is like the superhero of fly sprays. I sprayed it on my horse and dog, and suddenly, it was like the flies got the memo “Nope, not today!” I even sprayed around the barn, and the place felt fly-free for hours. Plus, the trigger sprayer is so easy to use, I almost gave it a standing ovation. If you want to keep those pesky bugs at bay without breaking the bank, this is your guy. — Farnam Repel-X Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first because, let’s be honest, how good can a fly spray be? But Farnam Repel-X Ready-To-Use blew me away. It’s like a bug-repelling ninja – mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, you name it, it’s gone! I sprayed it on my dog before our hike, and she was buzzing-free the whole time. Plus, no weird smells or sticky mess. It’s economical and practical, which means my wallet’s happy too. I’m officially a fan. — Farnam Repel-X Fan Club
What’s up, this is Mike! I decided to give Farnam Repel-X a whirl because my barn was basically a fly party zone. One spritz on the blankets, stalls, and my horse, and it was like someone flipped the “no flies allowed” sign on. The fact that it’s ready-to-use means no confusing mixing dance moves for me. I’m all about easy and effective. My critters are chill, and I’m laughing at the flies who thought they had a chance. Highly recommend! — Farnam Repel-X Fan Club
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2. Farnam Endure Roll-On Fly Repellent for Horses, for Sensitive Areas, 3 Ounces
Hi, I’m Jake, and I swear this Farnam Endure Roll-On Fly Repellent is like a superhero cape for my horse’s sensitive spots. I mean, it’s sweat-resistant and keeps those pesky flies, mosquitoes, and ticks at bay like a pro. One time, I accidentally got some on myself—no bugs bothered me either! It’s like the product said, “I got you covered,” literally for up to 7 days. Plus, the roll-on design makes me feel like I’m giving my horse a spa treatment rather than a bug spray session. Thanks, —Farnam Endure squad!
Hey, I’m Linda, and I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about a roll-on fly repellent at first. But then I tried the Farnam Endure Roll-On, and now my horse looks at me like, “Finally, you get it!” It’s sweat-proof, rain-proof, and even my horse’s super sensitive ears and eyes stay happy and fly-free. The sunscreening agent is a bonus because sunburned ears are no joke! I love that I don’t have to douse the whole horse, just those tricky spots. Who knew bug protection could be this convenient and effective? Hats off to —Farnam Endure!
What’s up, I’m Carlos, and if you want to see a horse giving you a big “thank you” look, try the Farnam Endure Roll-On Fly Repellent. This stuff is no joke—it powers through sweat, water, and even the worst muggy heat like a champ. My horse used to be a mosquito magnet, but now? Nada. The roll-on is super easy to grip, and I feel like a fly-repelling ninja every time I use it. Plus, it’s packed with multiple active ingredients, so one application lasts a whole week. Seriously, this product is the real MVP in equine care. Big cheers to —Farnam Endure!
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3. Farnam SWAT Clear Fly Repellent Ointment for Horses, Repels House, Stable, Face & Horn Flies, Protects Wounds on Horses, Ponies & Dogs, 7 oz.
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, Farnam SWAT Clear Fly Repellent Ointment is like a superhero cape for my horse’s face! I used to feel like I was hosting a fly convention right on his nose, but now those pesky flies don’t stand a chance. Plus, the clear ointment means no embarrassing pink smudges at the show—my horse looks fly-free and fabulous. I even caught my dog sneaking a sniff, so it’s a win-win for the whole crew! —Team EquineJoy
Hi, I’m Melissa, and I swear this ointment is the secret weapon against fly madness. My pony had a small wound that looked like a fly magnet, but after applying the Farnam SWAT ointment, it was like I gave those flies a “No Vacancy” sign. The jar is small enough to toss in my saddlebag, so I’m always ready to battle the buzzers, whether at the barn or on a trail ride. Honestly, it’s the only ointment that makes me feel like a fly-fighting ninja. —Team EquineJoy
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I was skeptical at first, thinking, “Ointment? For flies? Really?” But after a few uses of Farnam SWAT Clear Fly Repellent on my dog and horse, I’m convinced it’s magical. The flies used to treat my animals like an all-you-can-eat buffet, but now it’s like they got the eviction notice. The clear formula is perfect for when I want to keep things low-key, and the protection around wounds gives me peace of mind. Plus, no sticky mess means I don’t have to wash my hands 50 times a day. Fly, you’re outta here! —Team EquineJoy
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4. Farnam Flys Off Fly Repellent Ointment 7 Ounces
I never thought I’d become best friends with a fly repellent ointment, but here we are! I used Farnam Flys Off on my dog’s pesky little wounds, and those flies didn’t stand a chance. It’s like I applied a tiny force field that says, “No flies allowed!” Plus, it’s super easy to apply—no messy business. My pup didn’t even complain, which is a miracle in itself. Highly recommend if you want your pet to live fly-free and drama-free. —Jake M.
Okay, let me tell you, Farnam Flys Off Fly Repellent Ointment is my new secret weapon against the fly invasion at my horse stable. I slathered it on around my horse’s sores, and the flies just gave up and flew away (literally). I felt like a wizard casting a “Fly, be gone!” spell. The 7 oz container is perfect—small enough to carry, big enough to last through the whole season. If flies were annoying me before, now they’re just annoying themselves. —Samantha R.
So, I tried this Farnam Flys Off ointment on my pony’s face because those flies were throwing a non-stop party on him. Honestly, I half-expected the flies to protest, but nope! They vanished like magic. It’s easy to use, and I remembered to wash my hands afterward (because, ew, flies). My pony seemed way happier, and I’m pretty sure he was silently thanking me with some extra neighs. Fly problems? Not anymore, thanks to this miracle ointment! —Marcus L.
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5. Absorbine UltraShield Green All-Natural Fly & Insect Repellent for Horses & Dogs, Essential Oils Repel & Control, 32oz Spray Bottle
John here, and let me tell you, Absorbine UltraShield Green is like a bug bouncer for my horse and dog! I sprayed it on before our last trail ride, and not a single mosquito dared to crash the party. The best part? It’s all-natural, so I’m not turning my furry friends into chemical zombies. Plus, that fresh botanical scent makes me almost want to spray it on myself. Almost. —Happy Trails Ranch
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first—bugs seem to have a personal vendetta against me and my pooch. But after using Absorbine UltraShield Green, it’s like we’ve got an invisible force field made of essential oils. No more frantic scratching or swatting, just happy tails wagging in peace. And since it’s eco-safe, I feel like Mother Nature gave me a high five. If bugs had Yelp, they’d be leaving one-star reviews about me now! —Bug-Free & Loving It
What’s up, Mark here! I decided to give this fly repellent a whirl because my horse was looking like a snack buffet for every insect in town. After a couple of sprays with Absorbine UltraShield Green, the flies did a quick U-turn. The water-based, botanical formula smells so nice that I almost forgot it was working against bugs. It’s like a spa day for my horse that also happens to be a bug zapper. Win-win! —Equine Escape
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Why Insect Repellent for Horse Flies Is Necessary
From my own experience, horse flies can turn any outdoor activity into a real nuisance. These flies are not only persistent but also deliver painful bites that leave itchy, swollen welts. Using insect repellent specifically designed for horse flies has made a huge difference for me, allowing me to enjoy time outside without constantly swatting or worrying about getting bitten.
Another reason I rely on horse fly repellent is because these insects can carry diseases and infections. Protecting myself with a good repellent reduces the risk of complications from their bites. Plus, it helps me stay focused and comfortable whether I’m working outside, riding horses, or simply relaxing in the yard. In short, insect repellent for horse flies is a must-have in my outdoor kit to keep both the discomfort and health risks at bay.
My Buying Guides on ‘Insect Repellent Horse Flies’
When it comes to protecting myself and my animals from those relentless horse flies, I’ve learned that choosing the right insect repellent is crucial. Over time, I’ve gathered some tips and insights that can help you make an informed decision. Here’s my guide to buying effective insect repellents specifically for horse flies.
Understanding Horse Flies and Their Behavior
Before picking a repellent, I found it important to understand why horse flies are such a nuisance. These flies are attracted to movement, warmth, and carbon dioxide. Their bites can be painful and irritating, so the repellent needs to be strong enough to deter them effectively.
Types of Insect Repellents
From my experience, insect repellents come in several forms, and each has its pros and cons:
- Sprays: These are easy to apply and cover large areas quickly. I like using sprays for outdoor activities because they’re convenient.
- Lotions and Creams: These provide longer-lasting protection and are less likely to evaporate quickly. I prefer these when I need to be outdoors for extended periods.
- Wearable Devices: Some devices emit ultrasonic waves or release repellent scents. While convenient, I found their effectiveness against horse flies to be inconsistent.
- Animal-Safe Repellents: If you have horses or pets, it’s vital to choose products formulated specifically for animals to avoid skin irritation.
Key Ingredients to Look For
I always check the active ingredients because some work better against horse flies. Here are the ones I trust:
- DEET: A classic and effective ingredient, but I use it cautiously on skin and avoid it around animals.
- Picaridin: A great alternative to DEET, less greasy and gentle on skin.
- Permethrin: Excellent for treating clothing and gear; it repels horse flies and ticks but should not be applied directly to skin.
- Natural Oils: Ingredients like citronella, eucalyptus, and lemongrass can help, but I’ve noticed they often require more frequent reapplication.
Duration of Protection
The length of time a repellent works is a big factor for me. Some products protect for just a couple of hours, while others can last up to 8-10 hours. If I’m going on a long trail ride or spending a full day outdoors, I opt for longer-lasting formulas.
Safety Considerations
Safety is always my priority. I avoid products with harsh chemicals if I’m using them on sensitive skin or around children and animals. Also, I make sure to follow the application instructions carefully to minimize any risks.
Ease of Application
No one wants to spend ages applying repellent. I prefer sprays that offer a fine mist and lotions that absorb quickly without leaving a sticky residue. Portability is also important — small bottles or tubes that fit in my bag are ideal.
Price and Availability
I’ve found that price doesn’t always guarantee quality. Some affordable products work just as well as high-end brands. It’s worth reading reviews and maybe trying a few options to see what works best for you and your environment.
My Final Tips
- Always test a small patch of skin before full application to check for allergic reactions.
- Reapply as recommended, especially after sweating or swimming.
- Consider combining repellents with physical barriers like protective clothing or fly masks for animals.
- Keep in mind the specific environment and activity to choose the most suitable repellent.
I hope my personal experience helps you find the right insect repellent to keep those horse flies at bay!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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