{"id":5824,"date":"2020-09-08T10:35:55","date_gmt":"2020-09-08T10:35:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petz.co.uk\/?page_id=5824"},"modified":"2026-03-11T11:38:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T11:38:37","slug":"best-horse-fly-spray","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/best-horse-fly-spray\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Horse Fly Sprays UK 2026: DEET, Citronella & Natural Repellents Compared"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fly season in the UK means misery for horses — from nuisance house flies to painful horsefly bites and midge-triggered sweet itch<\/strong>. But not all fly sprays are equal. We’ve compared DEET-based, citronella, and natural options to help you find the right protection for 2026.<\/p>\n

Best Horse Fly Sprays Compared<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product<\/th>\nActive Ingredient<\/th>\nDuration<\/th>\nFor Sensitive Skin?<\/th>\nPrice<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
NAF OFF DEET Power<\/strong><\/td>\n19.6% DEET<\/td>\n6–8 hours<\/td>\n\u26a0\ufe0f Patch test first<\/td>\n£14–£22<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Leovet Power Phaser<\/strong><\/td>\nDEET + natural blend<\/td>\nUp to 7 hours<\/td>\n\u26a0\ufe0f Strong scent<\/td>\n£16–£28<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Carr & Day Flygard Extra<\/strong><\/td>\n20% DEET<\/td>\n6–8 hours<\/td>\n\u26a0\ufe0f Patch test first<\/td>\n£15–£25<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lincoln Classic Fly Repellent<\/strong><\/td>\nDEET + PMD<\/td>\nUp to 12 hours<\/td>\n\u26a0\ufe0f<\/td>\n£12–£20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NAF OFF Citronella Spray<\/strong><\/td>\nCitronella oil<\/td>\n3–5 hours<\/td>\n\u2705 Gentle<\/td>\n£8–£14<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Barrier Super Plus<\/strong><\/td>\nHerbal\/essential oils + avocado oil<\/td>\n4–6 hours<\/td>\n\u2705 Coat-conditioning<\/td>\n£10–£18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

DEET vs Citronella vs Natural<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Type<\/th>\nHow It Works<\/th>\nEffectiveness<\/th>\nBest For<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
DEET-based<\/strong><\/td>\nMasks scent cues that attract biting insects<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605 (most effective, longest lasting)<\/td>\nHeavy fly areas, horsefly protection, long rides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Citronella-based<\/strong><\/td>\nNatural essential oil repellent<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605 (moderate, needs reapplying)<\/td>\nSensitive horses, light fly pressure, paddock use<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Permethrin-based<\/strong><\/td>\nSynthetic insecticide (kills on contact)<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605 (kills + repels)<\/td>\nVery heavy infestations (check UK legality)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Essential oil blends<\/strong><\/td>\nMixed plant-based repellents (neem, tea tree, lavender)<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605 (variable)<\/td>\nHorses with sensitive\/reactive skin<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Our Top Pick: NAF OFF DEET Power<\/h2>\n

NAF OFF DEET Power<\/strong> is the UK’s best-selling fly spray for a reason. Its 19.6% DEET concentration provides reliable 6–8 hour protection against flies, midges, and horseflies. Well-suited for UK conditions where persistent biting insects are common from May through September. Always do a patch test<\/strong> on a small area first.<\/p>\n

Best for Sensitive Horses: Barrier Super Plus<\/h2>\n

For horses with reactive skin or those who dislike strong chemical smells, Barrier Super Plus<\/strong> uses a blend of herbal oils, essential oils, and avocado oil that repels insects while conditioning the coat<\/strong>. Also helps calm existing midge bites. No DEET, no artificial chemicals.<\/p>\n

Application Tips<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • \u2705 Apply to dry coat<\/strong> for best adhesion<\/li>\n
  • \u2705 Focus on legs, belly, chest, and ears<\/strong> — where flies land most<\/li>\n
  • \u2705 For the face, spray onto a cloth or sponge<\/strong> first, then wipe on<\/li>\n
  • \u2705 Reapply after rain, heavy sweating, or swimming<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • \u2705 Store in a cool, dark place<\/strong> — heat degrades active ingredients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n

    What is the most effective horse fly spray UK?<\/h3>\n

    DEET-based sprays<\/strong> like NAF OFF DEET Power and Carr & Day Flygard are the most effective for UK conditions, offering 6–8 hours of protection against biting insects.<\/p>\n

    Is DEET safe for horses?<\/h3>\n

    Yes, when used as directed. Always patch test first<\/strong>, especially on grey, pinto, or thin-skinned horses. Avoid spraying directly on open wounds or irritated skin.<\/p>\n

    How often should I apply fly spray?<\/h3>\n

    DEET-based sprays typically last 6–8 hours<\/strong>. Citronella and natural sprays may need reapplying every 3–5 hours<\/strong>. Always reapply after rain or heavy sweating.<\/p>\n

    What repels horseflies best?<\/h3>\n

    DEET (15%+)<\/strong> is the most effective repellent against horseflies specifically. Citronella alone is less effective against these aggressive biters. Some owners combine DEET spray with fly rugs for maximum protection.<\/p>\n