Best fly spray?

[mindutopia]

What is the best fly spray? My colt is being gelded next week. I’d have rather waited until the autumn when fewer flies, but I need to have it done now so he can be turned out in a mixed herd. So it’s not ideal, but I want to make sure I get the most effective fly spray I can for him while he recovers.

Have you tried that Avon spray that gets rave reviews as a fly deterrent for horses?
My sister has horses and said it works brilliantly!

Info here with a horse and hound link praising it also
www.evetdrug.co.uk/horse-care/fly-protection/repellents/avon-skin-so-soft-original-dry-oil-spray-150ml

We just bought it off amazon. Do you have to mix it with water?

Be really careful with the Avon skin so soft, the newer recipe is oil based (the old one wasn’t) so can burn them in hot weather

We use Deosect every two weeks (we sponge it on, not spray) and top up with bite back supreme fly spray if need be in between applications

I have yet to find one that is effective and I think I must have tried them all - fields next to a boggy old railway embankment as well as being surrounded by trees - horse-fly heaven!! I always thought the Avon was more for midges than flies - and of the sprays/gels I have found Phaser to be at least half effective although in all honesty nothing really deters them.

I'd be tempted to keep him in for a week to be honest until the wound closes. Or ask your vet if there is something on prescription that it more effective than over the counter remedies.

Where do you get that from please?

@Purplehonesty2 I get it from whichever online vet pharmacy has the best deal - it’s not cheap!!

Hedgewitch icaridin spray is the best I have used, no smell to it, it works by confusing the fly senses, when I put it on they just disappear

We used Deosect last year - just be warned, if they have sensitive skin, they may not tolerate it. It worked amazingly for one horse, but the svelt warmblood stood quietly having it applied and then suddenly lost her cool... was throwing her side against the stable, pawing the ground, trying to bite her tummy... really very agitated. We hosed her off for 15 minutes, she slowly calmed down and all was fine. Such a shame as she gets eaten alive by flies, but it was clearly uncomfortable for her.
I keep that one (sensitive sue as I call her) in a rambo fly rug as no amount of fly spray stops her being eaten and she comes up in huge lumps everywhere.
Then we use power phaser. Stinks, but it works well.

Something with Deet in. I'm using Phazer at the mo

Leovet Phazar or TamTam Vet

You have to do a patch test before using Deosect - but that’s a good idea before using any strong chemicals.

If you have an open wound to deal with then Battles is brilliant. It’s originally for sheep but works well on horses. We had a pony who had laser treatment to remove a sarcoid and it kept everything off. Wear gloves though unless you want yellow hands!

@Pleasedontdothat I should absolutely have done a patch test. It didn't occur to me to be honest as we use plenty of fly sprays with Deet/chemicals in.

I use phaser, it doesn't keep the flies completely away but it is the best of all the ones I have tried.

vm.tiktok.com/ZMNah2dHS/

I use Nettex Advanced, it is DEET based. Works well. I spray morning & evening ATM. Flies are bad now.

Love PowerPhazer, nothing else I've used is as good

Thank you, in the end, I just got whatever looked ‘strong’ at the farm supply shop as was in a panicked rush. He’d never seen a fly spray before as was largely unhandled before me. But his castration got cancelled anyway due to the heat (obviously very sensible as not the ideal time of year anyway). We thankfully don’t have too many issues with flies due to elevation, but want to do the best I can.

I’ve found the Phazer to be the best, the sponge on is meant to be more effective than the spray but I’ve not tried it. The Avon spray should be mixed with water and is not great for sensitive skins.