Am I the only person who doesn't use fly spray?

I used to use Effol horsefly spray and it definitely helped on all types of flies. However, since moving yards we seem to be in a relatively fly free zone and haven't used one for last summer or this
 
I don't use any fly sprays for the horses in the fields as we don't really have biting flies down around the farmhouse, but I do use human supersonic fly spray before I ride in the forest. We have deer flies over here, I don't think you have them in the UK? And they just love to take huge chunks out of horses ears so I do douse my horses up well before setting off for the woods.
 
I used to think deosect was the way, forward. My mare gets really bothered by flies, sprayed deosect on they were still landing on her and taking off straight away, then the next day was just back to normal with flies irritating her again. I don't feel happy putting it on everyday when its meant to last for 2 weeks. Plus by the time I had finished applying it, my hands were stinging a bit, so I dread to think how it would affect an animal if over used.
 
I use Leovet powerphaser. It's not the cheapest, but it does work. It does smell pretty terrible though!

I had stopped using any, before discovering this one though.
 
No, don't use it, never have.

What I find is that mare shelters in the field shelter a lot in the day.
That's fine by me as she doesn't spend all day eating like the ponies in masks and those covered in sprays.

The foot man came yesterday and said she looked in the best condition he had seen on his rounds and she's not broken in so no real exercise.

It's what the forest ponies do as well, most of the day they shelter.
Don't understand the thinking TBH.
On the one hand people worrying about them having too much grass, on the other not using the natural curbs that stop them grazing.
 
TrasaM said:
No of course not.. We normally share my human grade stuff but i use it just on the ears. Owner's got no problem with using sprays but had mislaid hers so I bought some and we used that today. :)
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Apologies - I read your first post as the owner doesn't want to use fly spray - not has lost hers.

Happy fly-free hacking :-)
 
Although I always have to ride my horse is retired and I can't spray him easily in the field so he's not had any on this summer. He has a fly sheet and hood on though.
 
cider loving mare said:
I used to think deosect was the way, forward. My mare gets really bothered by flies, sprayed deosect on they were still landing on her and taking off straight away, then the next day was just back to normal with flies irritating her again. I don't feel happy putting it on everyday when its meant to last for 2 weeks. Plus by the time I had finished applying it, my hands were stinging a bit, so I dread to think how it would affect an animal if over used.
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Deosect is quite strong chemical and the instructions say you must apply wearing gloves so I'm not surprised your hands were stinging!!

It is useful for horses who hate sprays as its designed to be sponged on, so they dont mind that as much, it isnt as good if used as a spray, and if sponged on doesnt need to be reapplied so often either.

RVC head horse mean recommended it for my chap who has ear plaques (small blackly bite allergy) and it has helped him.
 
The bottle clearly stated that it was best applied using a fine spray. Which is what I did, after carefully following the instructions and dilution ratio's to make it up. It does also state that gloves, and a mask should be worn. It also says that it lasts for 2 weeks, for sever fly control, but I found it lasted less than 24 hours. I wouldn't want to apply it more than it states you should because it is quite strong stuff.
 
Honestly? Never found any fly spray that makes a significant difference! Tried the naf tags last year, but i haven't used anything yet this year and she's not had one bite .. Not even noticed her throwing her head around so if it ain't broke .. Dont fix it imo :)
 
Spring Feather said:
I don't use any fly sprays for the horses in the fields as we don't really have biting flies down around the farmhouse, but I do use human supersonic fly spray before I ride in the forest. We have deer flies over here, I don't think you have them in the UK? And they just love to take huge chunks out of horses ears so I do douse my horses up well before setting off for the woods.
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I think we do get deerfly in the UK/Ireland, they belong to the same family as the horsefly, but I seem to think they are more prevalent in wooded areas? Anyway I hate all of them. This is the only time of year my mare won't be out and comes into her barn. My poor husband reacts very badly to them and swells up very badly if bitten. But, he must work in the garden :rolleyes: so I cover him up (think 30 degrees and long pants and sleeves). What happened? One of the feckers bit him on the back of the ear and it swelled up 3 times its normal size. This might not be a good season for them as it has been so dry, so maybe their habitat won't be as accommodating when it comes to egg laying, haha :D

ETA - and they are silent flyers - they don't buzz like other flies, usually the only time you know you have been bitten is because it's too late or you start itching later. Did I mention I hate them?
 
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I make my own it's soothing on his skin, cheap and works wonders. He gets so aggravated and wound up without it. I even cover myself in it!
 
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