Fly Spray Comparison Chart

March 30, 2026 1938 view(s)

Product	Type	Targets	Duration	Water / Sweat Resistant	Active Ingredients	Best For
Absorbine Ultrashield Green Natural Fly Repellent	Water-Based Spray (Natural)	Repels flies, mosquitoes, ticks	Up to 8 hours	No	Essential oils (geraniol, citronella, lemongrass, thyme, rosemary, cedar and clove)	Natural protection. Safe for dogs.
Absorbine Ultrashield Red Fly Spray	Water-Based Spray	Kills & repels flies, gnats, ticks, mosquitoes	Up to 7 days	Yes	Five active insecticides (Permethrin, Tetramethrin, Pyrethrins, Cypermethrin, Piperonyl Butoxide)	Day and night protection for turnout, trail or everyday riding. Contains coat conditioners. Safe for dogs.
Absorbine Ultrashield EX (Black) Insecticide & Repellent	Water-Based Spray	Kills & repels over 70 insects including flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks	Up to 17 days	Yes	Permethrin, Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide	Protection for everyday riding, barn or premise spray. Contains coat conditioners and sunscreen. Safe for dogs.
Absorbine Ultrashield Gold Insecticide & Repellent	Water-Based Spray	Kills & repels over 100 insects including Flies, mosquitoes, ticks	Up to 17 days	Yes	Pyrethrin, Permethrin, Piperonyl Butoxide, Octanoic Acid, Nanonoic Acid, Decanoic Acid	Day and night protection for turnout or trail riding. Contains coat conditioners & sun protection. Safe for dogs.
Absorbine Ultrashield Sport Insecticide & Repellent	Water-Based Spray	Kills & repels flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks	Up to 14 days	Yes	Cypermethrin	Active/sweaty horses, adds oil free shine. Safe for dogs.
dac Citronella Spray	Water-Based Spray (Natural)	Repels flies, gnats, mosquitoes	Up to 2 days	No	Citronella, rosemary, cedar oils	Natural daily protection. Can also be used as barn/premise spray.
Product	Type	Targets	Duration	Water / Sweat Resistant	Active Ingredients	Best For
EcoVet Fly Spray Repellent-Insecticide Gallon	Water-Based Spray (Natural Fatty Acid Technology) with Silicone	Repels flies, mosquitoes, midges, no-see-ums, lice and cockroaches	Apply every 2–3 days	Yes	Fatty acids (Octanoic Acid,Nonanoic Acid, Decanoic Acid), silicone	Sensitive horses; non-traditional formula users. Non-toxic, safe for honeybees.
Equicare Flysect Super C Concentrate 32 oz	Concentrate (Water Based)	Kills & repels flies, mosquitoes, gnats, chiggers	Up to 3 days	No	Permethrin, Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide, N-Octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide, Di-n-propyl Isocinchomeronate	Large barns needing dilution. Contains sunscreen and skin conditioners.
eZall Citronella Spray	Water-Based Spray (Natural)	Repels most flying insects	Varies depending on conditions	No	Citronella, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Red Thyme, and Lemongrass Oils	Natural and environmentally focused barns.
Farnam Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Repellent	Water-Based Spray	Kills & repels flies, gnats, ticks, mosquitoes, lice	Up to 14 days	Yes	Cypermethrin, Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide, Butoxypolypropylene Glycol	Active/sweaty horses, turnout, trail or everyday riding. Contains sunscreen.
Farnam Endure Gold Fly & Mosquito Control	Water-Based Spray	Kills & repels flies, midges, ticks, mosquitoes	Up to 14 days	Yes	Acetamiprid, Pyrethrins, Etofenprox, Di-n-propyl Isocinchomeronate, Piperonyl Butoxide, Stabilene (Butoxypolypropylene Glycol)	For active/sweaty horses and turnout or trail & everyday riding.
Farnam Equi-Spot Spot On	Spot-On (Oil-Based)	Kills & repels flies, ticks, gnats	Up to 14 days	Yes	Permethrin	Pastured horses
Farnam Repel-X pe	Concentrate or Ready to use Spray (Water Based)	Kills & repels flies, gnats, mosquitoes	Varies depending on conditions	No	Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide	Budget fly control, great for large barns looking for economical insect control.
Farnam Tri-Tec 14 Fly Repellent	Water-Based Spray	Kills & repels flies, gnats, mosquitoes, lice	Up to 14 days	Yes	Piperonyl Butoxide, Butoxypolypropylene Glycol	For turnout, trail or everyday riding. Contains sunscreen.
Farnam Wipe Original Formula	Oil-Based Wipe	Kills & repels flies, gnats, mosquitoes	Varies depending on conditions	Yes	Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide, Butoxypolypropylene Glycol	For everyday use. Contains coat conditioners.
Fly Bye Plus	Soy & Organic Oil Based Spray (Natural)	Kills & repels flies, mosquitoes, gnats	Varies depending on conditions	No	Geranium Oil	Eco-friendly barns
Product	Type	Targets	Duration	Water / Sweat Resistant	Active Ingredients	Best For
Pyranha Wipe & Spray	Oil-Based Spray	Kills & repels over 70 insects including flies, fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, mites, lice	Varies depending on conditions	Yes	Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide, Butoxypolypropylene Glycol	For active horses and turnout or trail & everyday riding. Contains coat conditioners.
Pyranha Equine Spray & Wipe	Water-Based Spray	Kills & repels flies, fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, gnats	Up to 14 days, may be effective up to 30 days depending on conditions	Yes	Permethrin, Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide,	For active horses and turnout or trail & everyday riding. Will not attract dust.
Pyranha Legacy Fly Spray	Water-Based Spray	Kills & repels flies, fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, gnats	Varies depending on conditions	Yes	Permethrin, Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide,	For sweaty/active horses and turnout or trail & everyday riding. Citronella scent.
Pyranha Space Spray Spray 1-10 HPS Concentrate for 30 Gallon Spray System	Water-Based Concentrate Refill for Space Spray System	Kills & repels flies, mosquitoes, gnats	Automoatically dispensed based on space spray system settings	N/A	Permethrin, Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide,	For small or large barns with horses and/or livestock.
Pyranha Space Spray 1-10 HP Concentrate for 55 Gallon Spray System	Water-Based Concentrate Refill for Space Spray System	Kills & repels flies, mosquitoes, gnats	Automoatically dispensed based on space spray system settings	N/A	Permethrin, Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide,	For large barns with horses and/or livestock.
Pyranha Stock Guard Fly Spray	Water-Based Concentrate	Kills flies, ticks, roaches, spiders, lice, beetles, mites, scorpions and mosquitoes	Kills on contact	N/A	Permethrin, Piperonyl Butoxide	Effective insecticide for barns or automatic spray systems
Pyranha Zero-Bite Fly Spray	90% Water-Based Spray (Natural) Ready-to-use or concentrate formula	Repels flies, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and lice	Varies depending on conditions	No	Geraniol, Clove, and Peppermint	Available as ready-to-use or concentrate. Non-toxic alternative safe for all pets including horses, dogs & cats

Information is for reference only. No sprays should be applied to any animal under 12 weeks old. Always follow the product label, test new products for sensitivity, and consult your veterinarian for individual recommendations. Product safety or effectiveness may vary and is not guaranteed for every horse or pet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between natural fly sprays and chemical fly sprays?
Natural fly sprays typically use plant‑based ingredients like citronella, clove oil, peppermint oil, geraniol, or other essential oils, making them a great option for horses with sensitive skin or owners who prefer gentle formulations.
Chemical fly sprays usually contain proven insecticides like permethrin, pyrethrins, or cypermethrin, which provide longer‑lasting and broader-spectrum protection — especially in heavy fly season.
Both types appear in your comparison chart, so customers can choose based on preference, sensitivity, and fly pressure.

How long does fly spray last once applied?
Longevity varies widely by product.
Some natural formulas offer short-duration protection (a few hours to a day), while many synthetic formulas can last up to 7–14 days with proper application. Sweat‑resistant sprays (like Farnam Endure or Ultrashield Sport) often last the longest because they’re designed for turnout and active horses.

What does “sweat resistant” or “water resistant” fly spray mean?
Sweat‑resistant sprays adhere better to the coat, even when horses sweat or during light rain. These are ideal for horses in training, horses that live outside, or hot climates. Examples include Endure, Tri‑Tec 14, and Ultrashield Sport.
Non‑sweat‑resistant sprays may need reapplying more frequently, especially in high heat or humidity.

Can I use fly spray on horses with sensitive skin?
Yes — but choose carefully.
Many horses with sensitive skin do well with essential‑oil-based or natural formulas like Zero Bite, Ultrashield Green, Fly Bye Plus, or citronella‑based sprays.
If your horse reacts to fragrances or oils, testing a small area first is always recommended.

What’s the difference between ready‑to‑use sprays and concentrates?
Ready‑to‑use sprays come pre‑mixed and can be applied immediately with a trigger sprayer or wipe.
Concentrates (like Repel‑X pe or Flysect Super C) must be diluted with water before use and are ideal for barns that go through large quantities of fly spray.

Do automatic barn misting systems use the same fly spray as handheld bottles?
Not usually.
Automatic systems require specially formulated concentrates (like Pyranha Space Spray HPS or HP) that are designed for misting pumps and create a consistent barrier in barn aisles, stalls, and run‑ins. These are not intended for direct use on horses.

Can I layer or rotate different fly sprays?
Rotating sprays through the season can help maintain effectiveness in areas with heavy insect pressure.
Many owners pair a daily natural spray with a long‑lasting sweat‑resistant spray for turnout, or alternate active ingredients to reduce resistance. Read all product labels before applying. Irritation may occur if you do not follow individual manufacturer guidelines for application.

Is oil‑based or water‑based fly spray better?
Both have unique advantages:
Oil‑based sprays (like Pyranha Spray & Wipe or Farnam Wipe Original) stick to the coat longer and add shine but may attract dust.
Water‑based sprays (like Tri‑Tec or Endure) dry cleanly, don’t build up as much, and often include UV protection or conditioners.
Choosing the right type depends on your horse’s coat, environment, and preferences.

How much fly spray should I use for each application?
Most manufacturers recommend 1–2 ounces per application, applied evenly along the horse’s body.
Avoid over‑soaking the coat, and be gentle around the face — use a cloth or wipe method to avoid eye irritation.

Which fly spray is best for horses turned out in pasture?
Horses living outdoors benefit most from long-lasting, sweat-resistant formulas such as:
Farnam Endure
Farnam Tri‑Tec 14
Absorbine Ultrashield Sport
Spot‑on treatments like Farnam Equi‑Spot also help provide base protection between spray sessions.

Are natural fly sprays effective enough for summer turnout?
Natural sprays can be effective for light to moderate fly populations, especially when applied more frequently. For severe summer fly conditions, owners often pair natural sprays with a stronger long-lasting formula or use them for in-barn use and daily grooming.

Can fly sprays be used on other animals besides horses?
Some sprays, such as Pyranha Stock Guard or certain natural formulas, are also labeled for livestock such as cattle or dogs. Always read each product’s label carefully to ensure species safety.

Why do some fly sprays say “kills on contact” while others say “repels”?
Repellents keep insects from landing
Insecticides kill insects that do land
Many popular sprays combine both functions for more effective overall protection.

Do essential oil–based sprays condition the coat?
Yes — most natural formulas, and even many chemical based sprays include skin and coat conditioning oils. These can enhance shine, support skin health, and offer a pleasant scent while still repelling insects.