If you ask any horse owner what the worst part of summer is, chances are they’ll say flies. From the common housefly to the nasty biting horsefly, these insects are incredibly annoying. Not only do they drive our equines crazy with their constant buzzing around, but they can also cause serious skin irritation and itching.
A quality fly spray is an absolute essential to battle the flies in the warmer months, but it can be pricey as it doesn’t tend to last long and needs to be put on regularly. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to commercial solutions or have a horse with particularly sensitive skin that doesn’t respond well to certain chemicals, you may be considering how to make horse fly spray at home.
Super simple homemade horse fly spray recipe
It might surprise you, but it’s really easy to make homemade horse fly spray and you may even be able to do it with ingredients you already have in the cupboard.
Here’s our simple horse fly spray recipe that you can make with just three ingredients:
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of eucalyptus oil (you can also substitute this for other essential oils such as citronella)
2 cups of apple cider vinegar
1 cup of water
How to make horse fly spray
Take all of the ingredients above, pop them into a plastic spray bottle and then shake to mix – it’s that easy. Make sure you shake before each use as this will ensure the mixture distributes evenly and prevents the essential oils from settling to the bottom. Before applying to your horse, always make sure you do a small patch test and watch for signs of any irritation.
You can also try adding a teaspoon of dish soap to your homemade fly horse spray as this can help the solution to sit on top of the coat.
The horse fly spray recipe listed above should provide relief for about an hour before you’ll need to apply again, so it’s great for popping on before heading out on a hack. For longer-term solutions, it’s best to stick to commercial fly sprays that have been created with lasting effects in mind.
Essential ingredients in homemade horse fly spray
When it comes to making your own fly spray for horses, there are a couple of essential ingredients you should include to make it as effective as possible:
1. Vinegar
Horseflies in particular hate the smell and taste of vinegar, so it’s a great addition to homemade horse fly sprays. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent repellent, and it also benefits from being a natural product that’s made from fermented apple juice. Additionally, it works as a natural conditioner for hair and skin.
2. Essential oils
Essential oils are natural ingredients that are derived from plants and work to repel a variety of insects. When used in a controlled amount they’re generally safe to put on your horse’s skin. Some of the most effective oils for repelling insects are as follows:
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Citronella
- Sage
- Bergamot
- Eucalyptus
- Cedarwood
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint
- Geranium
- Orange
- Rosemary
You can have a go at switching the oil in your homemade horse fly spray recipe to find the one that works best for you and your equine.
Now you know how to make horse fly spray. Looking for more information about caring for your horse in the summer months? Find out when it is too hot to ride a horse in the UK next.
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