Let's talk about flies.
And gnats.
And no-see-ums.
And ticks.
And those giant horse flies that seem to have been sent directly from the underworld to torment our horses.
For years, fly season was a constant battle at our farm.
One of my biggest challenges has been a mare rescued from Hurricane Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico. She spent so much time immersed in water that I honestly don't think her skin has ever fully recovered. Even years later, she is incredibly sensitive.
Add in two more mares that don't seem to appreciate harsh chemicals either, and I found myself searching for solutions that actually worked without creating new problems.
I wanted fewer flies.
Healthier horses.
And products I felt good about using.
After a lot of experimenting, here's what has worked best for us.
🐴 Fly Predators: My Favorite Discovery
If I could only choose one thing on this list, it might be Fly Predators.
I LOVE them.
The reduction in overall fly pressure has been impressive.
They aren't a magic solution for deer flies, horse flies, or every flying pest known to mankind, but they have dramatically reduced the everyday fly population around our horses.
I also followed their manure management recommendations, and that made a noticeable difference too.
The combination has helped turn fly control from a constant battle into something much more manageable.
🐴 My Daily Fly Spray Recipe
Not all bugs respond to the same ingredients.
After spending an embarrassing amount of time sitting in the shed with a notebook, a computer, and a collection of essential oils, I started noticing patterns.
Some ingredients worked beautifully for flies.
Others helped with ticks.
Others seemed to make a difference with no-see-ums and gnats.
This is the spray recipe I currently use for going riding and when I need a bit extra trimming feet, etc.
Base (24-ounce spray bottle)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
- 1/2 teaspoon Young Living Insect Repellent
Add as Needed
- 30 drops Rosemary
- 30 drops Lavender
- 30 drops Tea Tree
- 20 drops Citronella
- 20 drops Lemon
- 10 drops Purification (especially for deer flies)
- 10 drops Clove
- 10 drops Peppermint
- 10–20 drops Lemongrass
- 10–20 drops Basil
Fill the remainder of the bottle slowly with water.
I apply a fairly generous coating for extra fly control when working with the horses. (Use hand to wipe it onto the face, ears, and sensitive areas).
🐴 My Long-Lasting Fly Oil (Game Changer!)
One thing I discovered is that spray doesn't always stay where I put it.
Horses sweat.
They roll.
They swim.
They find creative ways to remove whatever I just spent ten minutes applying.
That's why I started using a fly oil.
It stays on longer and works especially well in areas where flies love to gather.
Base
- 1 cup jojoba oil
Essential Oil Blend
- 30 drops Citronella
- 20 drops Lemongrass
- 20 drops Rosemary
- 20 drops Peppermint
- 20 drops Tea Tree
- 10 drops Clove
- 10 drops Basil
- 10 drops Lavender
- 10 drops Purification
Optional Boost
- 1 teaspoon Neem oil
How I Apply It
Using a cloth, brush, or dauber, apply lightly to:
- legs
- belly line
- chest
- neck crest
- tail head
- ears
- face (using your hand)
Avoid the eyes and saddle area.
I typically reapply every 2–3 days, or more often when fly pressure is heavy.
🐴 What I've Learned
The biggest lesson I've learned is that there isn't one magic answer.
The best results come from layering protection.
For us, that means:
- Fly Predators
- Good manure management
- Fly spray
- Fly oil
Together they've made a tremendous difference.
The real test?
My horses spend far more time grazing peacefully and far less time hiding in the shed trying to escape the bugs.
That's a win in my book.
🐴 Final Thought
Every horse is different.
What works for my sensitive mares may need a little tweaking for yours.
But if you're looking for natural fly control that supports your horse's health while helping keep the bugs away, these are the tools that have worked best on our farm.
Because fly season is a lot easier when your horse can focus on being a horse instead of being a bug buffet.
👉 If you enjoyed this post, grab my Healthy Coat and Skin Snippets and let's stay connected on the journey to healthier horses and happier riders. Healthy Shiny Coat.pdf
