Would you be happy to use a Deet based fly repellent?

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Gorgeous George

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What do you think, would you use one? I know that there is quite a lot of information about Deet causing bad reactions in horses, as well as having numerous other bad side effects, but on the other hand it does work well and fly sprays containing it are licensed with the HSE, is it really that bad?

I am looking for a stronger repellent for occasional use when the flies are really bad, for everyday use I make up a homemade concoction that seems to do the trick and George wears his eye mask and doesn’t seem unduly bothered by the flies. But when it is a really hot day we usually choose to go riding in the woods and tend to get plagued by the flies and then George does get agitated, so wondered if a Deet based repellent (like Naf Off) would be best and ok for occasional use?

Your thoughts please…..thanks.
 
i use deet naff off and have also tried 3 others in the past month and nothing works, it seems flies and especially the horse flies are very evil this year! i have never had a reaction to it but someones horse on my yard has- she put it on its face and when she brought it in it was bald!!!!
 
In my experience, nothing works and I've tried home made remedies, natural stuff and chemicals like deet. As an experiment, I haven't used anything this year and have kept a close eye on the boys. There are no more flies on my boy as everybody else's (who do use spray). Save some money and don't bother!
 
DEET is now the main ingredient for the majority of fly repellants. Ironic really as it was replaced by Citronella, because of the known problems it can cause. Now as some horses have reacted badly to Citronella, we are back to using DEET.
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In answer to your question - yes
 
Hi,
I have used my own fly repellent for years it contains Deet,citronella,
t tree,dettol,cold tea a sploge of washing up liquid and Avon skin so soft.

I bought Deet,citronella,t tree all of Ebay essential oils didn't pay more than £15 for the lot and I'm on my 3 rd year of mixing just about 10 or so drops of each per batch I make it in a 6 pint milk cartoon and just spray on never had a reaction but obviously that's my horses couldn't say about any one elses. (litigation and all);)
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I have mixed views on DEET. It is an effective repellent, but it is also toxic, is absorbed through the skin, is toxic if inhaled or swallowed (or licked off!) and has been proven to casue neurological problems. However... I still used DEET based products on myself to prevent mosquito bites, as we have West Nile fever here, and the side effects from that (i.e. death) are far more serious.

I wouldn't use DEET in the UK to deter flies - I don't think the benefits outweight the risks.
 
I use Leovet Power Phaser, and find its the only one to keep the dreaded clegs at bay, they are still around but don't bite him...or me if I put some on too!....just close your mouth when you spray it as its a bit strong.....
 
I use the Net tex fly repellent as it also has tea tree in but to be honest I do find that their advanced formula is too strong for my mare and causes as reaction. The original stuff is fine though and I have used it for years.
 
I tried the deet one but did a test patch as my horse has sensitive skin and this was advised on the bottle. He had a reaction to it so I rang the company who tested the batch and it came back as fine but they gave me a full refund. Excellent customer service! What ever you try do a test patch first!!

Interesting facts about deet that I never knew.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I actively look for Deet in a fly spray.

[/ QUOTE ]

And me as they will then be the most affective!

Deet is in the majority of otc mosquito repellants
 
NAF DEET is the only stuff that has kept horseflies away from me and my 2 neds, i apply when im riding only as they are in during the day, and wash them off after theve worked. You can actally see the horseflies vere away from them when its on. I also use it on me!!
Much better to buy a fly spray that actually works surely.. shake well before you use tho, as i found out the DEET settles and if you dont shake you only spray water!
 
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