Fly protection for horses

Advert: August 2025

Biting flies, like horseflies and midges, are an unavoidable irritation for most horses and their owners – especially during the spring and summer months. 

Although we can protect our horses with fly rugs, did you know there are many additional ways to ease the burden of flies this summer? 

For top tips on helping your horse deal with flies, our article focused on the fight against flies is packed with helpful information. And, if your horse suffers from sweet itch, you can check out our article all about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of sweet itch in horses for further advice.

You can also read on, to discover great products available from VioVet that could help your horse cope with the onslaught of flies throughout the spring and summer seasons…

Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask

Some horses dislike having their ears covered with a fly mask, which is why the Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask might just be the perfect addition to their summer wardrobe! This innovative fly mask offers protection from even the tiniest of flies, without compromising on your horse’s field of vision, thanks to its very fine mesh. The UV-blocking properties of the material, adjustable safety fastenings, and fleecy padding combine to ensure this fly mask is comfortable for your horse to wear, too.  

Barrier Super Plus Fly Repellent

While fly sprays are a convenient way to repel flies, and temporarily relieve the discomfort they cause our horses, these sorts of products don’t all work effectively. Thankfully, Barrier Super Plus Fly Repellent is made using natural ingredients that don’t just repel flies, but can soothe skin irritation, as well!

Remember: All equine fly sprays and repellents are regulated in the UK, so they should have an approval number displayed on the packaging. The approval number (which will begin with ‘HSE’ or ‘UK’ followed by a series of numbers) will let you know whether a fly spray or fly repelling product is safe for use on horses.

NAF Off Citronella Gel

An anxious horse might find fly spray unsettling, so a good alternative for them could be a fly repelling gel or cream. NAF Off Citronella Gel can be applied daily by hand, or with a sponge, to especially sensitive areas of your horse’s coat (e.g. belly or ears) to repel flies. Plus, this effective fly repellent gel is great for applying around the outside of wounds (not directly onto them!) to help keep flies away. 

Dermoline Skin Itch Lotion

Does your horse have particularly sensitive skin, or do they suffer from more severe reactions to fly bites (e.g. sweet itch)? If so, Dermoline Skin Itch Lotion may help them! This water-resistant, oily formulation provides a barrier containing a natural insecticide to kill any midges that come into contact with it. However, because this product is licensed veterinary medicine AVM-GSL, it might be worth speaking to an equine vet before using it if your horse has extremely sensitive or damaged skin.

Global Herbs Flyfree

For some horses, the constant use of fly repelling products can become irritating, which is when Global Herbs Flyfree could help! Working from the inside out, this feed supplement is packed with natural ingredients, like garlic and turmeric, that support your horse to develop a fly-repelling barrier within their skin. Global Herbs claim this supplement starts working within an hour, and can be fed morning or night for ‘round the clock relief.

Please note: You should always speak to an equine vet for advice before adding supplements to your horse’s diet, or using lotions and creams if they have sensitive skin.

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