It can be tempting to make homemade fly spray for horses – it's relatively quick to do, it's easy to find recipes, and can offer savings in comparison to picking up a commercial product.
However, is it safe to do so, and do homemade fly sprays even work to keep flies off from horses? Or is it better to use a pre-manufactured fly spray for horses? Keep reading to find out.
How to make homemade fly spray for horses
Homemade fly spray recipes are typically quite simple. Key components include essential oils, dish soap, and vinegar, but vary from recipe to recipe. Simple recipes are relatively cheap to make, particularly in bulk, so can offer savings over purchasing commercial products designed for horses.
PetsRadar has not tested any of the following recipes and recommend doing a small patch test on your horse. PetsRadar cannot be held responsible for any allergic or other reactions resulting from using these recipes. Readers use these recipes at their own risk.
Recipe 1
This simple recipe from KBIS features only three ingredients, and can be mixed up quickly.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp eucalyptus oil (you can also substitute this for other essential oils such as citronella)
- 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of water
Method:
- Measure out the ingredients and add to a bottle.
- Shake well to mix.
Recipe 2
This recipe from a Horse & Hound reader features a mix of ingredients, including popular natural insect repellent citronella.
Ingredients:
- 300ml citronella oil
- 25ml lavender oil
- 4tbsp vinegar
- 6tbsp Dettol
- 2 cups of cold strong tea
- water
Method:
- Measure out the into a jug and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a 2 litre bottle. Top up with water until the bottle is full, and mix again.
- Decant the mixture into a spray bottle for easy application.
Recipe 3
This recipe from SaddleBox features a variety of essential oils, so will smell more pleasant but may be overpowering for some.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup spray-on sunscreen
- 50 drops citronella oil
- 25 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 25 drops peppermint essential oil
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 tbsp Dr Bronner’s liquid soap
Method:
- Add all the ingredients into a 32oz spray bottle.
- Shake well to mix.
- Shake well before each use to ensure the ingredients are still mixed.
Does homemade fly spray for horses actually work?
The two biggest considerations to weigh up when it comes to homemade fly spray are whether it will work, and if it is safe to use on your horse.
"The main issue with homemade fly sprays is that they haven't been tested for efficacy," says Dr Rebecca MacMillan. "We have anecdotal evidence, or hearsay, that these homemade recipes will work. So, it may be a case of trial and error as to whether they are successful for you and your horse."
Whilst many of the recipes are rooted in using natural ingredients, that doesn't always mean they are safe.
"Some horses may react to having things like essential oils applied to them, so it is best to start with a small patch test first if you choose to use them," advises Dr MacMillan. "Essential oils can be toxic in large amounts, so while bugs might not like the smell, it's important to go steady with them on your horse.
"I would also be careful about using cleaning products or dish soaps on your horse, as these are likely to be too harsh on their skin," she cautions.
Homemade fly spray or commercial ones: What's best?
There are many reasons why you might be intrigued by the possibility of making homemade fly spray, is it for the best when there are so many commercial fly spray products available to purchase?
"Natural products don't always mean better, and many homemade formulations only act as mild repellents," cautions Dr MacMillan. "Choosing a commercial product that not only repels the flies but kills them with insecticidal ingredients is usually best.
"I would advise owners to use a commercial fly spray specifically designed for horses. This will give you safe and accurate dosing guidelines, as well as being pre-formulated so that you don't have to make up any liquids accurately yourself," explains Dr MacMillan. "Always speak to your vet for recommendations if you are unsure."
Can you use human fly spray on horses?
Human fly spray can seem like a cheaper and effective alternative to equine products, particularly as many contain the insect repellent DEET. However, this doesn't mean they are appropriate to use on horses.
"I wouldn't recommend using human bug repellents on your horse," advises Dr MacMillan. "Human DEET products have not been formulated with horses in mind. While horses can tolerate DEET, there is always the potential for toxicity, especially if products are applied, or accidentally ingested, in large amounts.
"It is best to use a horse-specific spray and just take care how you use it. DEET is a strong solvent, so it can also dissolve materials such as leather tack," cautions Dr MacMillan.
