Fly Spray

[Hanz]

I will ask now so as not to be annoying when all these toher posts pop up in around June time. The flies are really bothering Phoenix now, and hse is allergic to the bites, so please can you knowlegable people give me some recepies?

I am already feeding her garlic and she has one of those swishy browbands on her headcollar when she is turned out. She demolished her rug and mask within a month last year so need somethimg super.

Thanks

 

[BBs]

Well the ONLY fly spray I have found to work is this http://www.tds-saddlers.com/ProductDetails.asp?PCLinkID=2326

Fabulous stuff

cannot fault it.

 

[Tempi]

never seen that before! looks really good, i think i might invest in some for this year. I use that pink naf stuff which smells rough and wears off after about an hour

 

[RachelB]

I have never found NAF to be that effective. Although am interested in their new DEET spray...
Anyhow I also use the Phaser stuff, it smells terrible but really works! I forgot to put it on Maiden today and she came in with her underside covered in flies (little ones that stick to her midline where there are bald patches eg. belly button), they are never there when I spray Phaser on her.
I use Lincoln Ditch the Itch on her mane and tail whic is really good to stop her rubbing, we're in a notoriously bad spot for midges. Plus the Lincoln stuff is fairly cheap and lasts forever.

 

[BBs]

OMG you will hate the smell of Phaser - its rank! but I have never had anythign that works like this.
We are right near a stream and have quite bad midges and horse fly and thsi stuff keeps them away.
Also haev a lot of woods to ride through and its impossible sometimes, but nto with this stuff.
But i does half pong

There was only one place i could buy it from last year, until i went to Germany, and bought loads at WEG lol

 

[RachelB]

Genius! I wonder how much I could fit in my suitcase when I go to Verden?!

 

[Theresa_F]

Here is the one I make up and I know others on the forum have made it and found it effective - also good for humans but do carry out a patch test first on you and the horse.

Good website for ordering oils is:

http://www.essential oils direct

5 caps of dettol - from a 500ml size bottle

250 ml of Avon Skin so Soft and fresh - 500 ml bath oil. This can be halved if midges not too bad. I am presently using one third of a bottle which is working well.

1 teaspoon of citronella oil - can go up to 1 ½ if midges bad.
1 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil
1 teaspoon of lavender oil
1 teaspoon of tea tree oil
1 teaspoon cedarwood oil

Put into a 1 litre spray bottle. Top up to make 1 litre with either water or cold tea. Shake well before spraying and give a quick shake after every few squirts to make sure the oil is mixed with the water.

Spray on twice a day using enough to leave a fine mist on the coat. Ok for round sensitive areas.

I have used this on people as well as horses, but please do a patch test first in case your horse reacts to any of the above ingredients.

Cost works out about £3.00 a litre - not as cheap as some receipes but this does work well and smells nice.

 

[Hanz]

OK Thanks, shall try the Phaser as we are next to a stream and woods too, really hope I will be able to let ehr live out this year, she needs some beef on her after the crap winter grass.