Think spring, think flies....

[Candice_17]

I get to be first in this area!!! I am curious, with spring around the corner somewhere, and with spring comes flies, what fly sprays have you found that actually work? I get soooo tired of spraying my horses and before I get done spraying one side, they are back on the other side driving my horses CRAZY! Share any secrets you've found, please.

[Rockbottom Farm]

I have tried so many different flie sprays and those damn flies still seem to bother them. I do keep fly masks on them during the day and take them off overnight. I use the ones with the fleece around the nose and neck so they don't get sore and like I said they get them on in the morning time at feeding and off at feeding time in the evening. I just ordered 2 new ones a week ago. I am getting prepared.

[seastar]

ive heard tht if u put a lil garlic in their feed it helps, or about 1-2 cups of viniger in there water trough (for a large tub)...i havnt tried it, but it might work...

[BUDDYSGIRL]

I have used all sorts of sprays myself. Even the roll on ones...Haven't found one that works well yet. SSS with vinigar works for ticks, but the flies are hard to keep away.

[Garrett-N-Texas]

If nothing else it smells good !

• 1/2 ounce citronella oil
  
• 1/4 ounce lavender oil
  
• 1/8 ounce pennyroyal oil
  
• 1/8 ounce tea tree oil
  
• 1/8 ounce jojoba oil

add 16 ounces of vodka to the base oil mixture, pour into a spray bottle, and shake before using.

[EquinePhotographer]

I don't use chemicals at all and we have no fly issues. We use Fly Predators in the paddocks and those work great!! NO FLIES whatsoever. I put apple cider vinegar in their drinking water. If I do spray them with anything I use 50% water and apple cider vinegar mixture. When I bathe the horses I put acv in the rinse water which not only repels the flies, but gives them a great shine and helps keep their coats from fading in the sun. If any of the horses get grain I put a little acv (1/4 cup) in there too along with garlic powder which repels the flies too - especially those little black gnats that chew up their chests and ears.

I even take garlic pills myself in the summer time because of the fly repelling properties. I don't get eaten by the skeeters at all and on a trail ride I don't have to hose myself down literally with fly spray chemicals and smell funny. lol

[khill1526]

In a clean, empty spray bottle, mix:

2 - 4 ounces of Avon Skin So Soft
1 cup of vinegar (either white or apple cider vinegar will work)
1 squirt of liquid Ivory dish soap
Fill the bottle the rest of the way up with water
Shake well each time before applying it to your horse.

*If it's not strong enough, try using 4 ozs of Skin So Soft instead of 2 oz and use a little less water.

If you play around with it, you can make a safe fly spray for your horse that is better and safer for them than the store bought varieties and cheaper, too!
DO NOT USE CITRANELLA OIL OR A HASH DETERGINT LIKE PINSOL IS VERY TOXIC TO HORSES!!!

[Candice_17]

I'm gonna have to try those ideas and see if something works. The flies seem to attack my filly, they bother the rest of them too, but for some reason they really seem to like her. Maybe she's too sweet LOL.

[seastar]

i heard, havnt tried yet but gonna...
2/3 viniger
1/3 downy

put in spray bottle and shake...

im gonna try it this yr and see how it works

[captain08]

Wow good ideas, gonna have to try some, boy the flies just wont leave my Q's chest alone. I used to take the garlic pills anf I know that worked for me, Guess I will have to get some more, that just simply sliped my mind.
Have a great day y'all