Sometimes it’s our own secret recipes that work the best as we try to battle the summer flies — take a look at the suggestions below for inspiration
NOTE: Horse & Hound has not tested any of the following fly spray recipes and strongly recommends that you do a small patch test on your horse with any homemade fly spray for horses. Readers use these recipes at their own risk. Horse & Hound cannot be held responsible for any allergic or other reactions that result from using these recipes.
Alison Elverson from Nottingham suggests:
- 300ml citronella (available from most pharmacies)
- 25ml lavender oil (also available from most pharmacies)
- 4tbsp vinegar
- 6tbsp Dettol
- 2 cups of cold strong tea
- Pour into a 2 litre plastic pop bottle and top up with water, then decant what you need into a spray bottle when needed
Adrienne Stewart from East Sussex uses the following recipe:
- 15ml citronella
- 2tbsp methylated spirit
- 1tbsp washing up liquid
- 4tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 pint strong tea
- Mix together and make up to 2 litres with tap water
Beth Barnett from Hereford’s homemade fly spray for horses is:
- 3tbsp citronella
- 4tbsp methylated spirit
- 2tbsp washing up liquid
- 8tbsp malt vinegar
- 2 mugs of strong tea
- 2 litres of water (approx)
Theresa Fryer, by email, suggests:
- 250 ml of Avon Skin So Soft and Fresh bath oil (can be halved if midges are not bad, or your horse does not react to midges)
- 5 caps of Dettol
- 1 teaspoon each of lavender, tea tree, citronella, cedar wood and eucalyptus
- Top up to one litre with either water or cold tea
- Spray twice a day and keep shaking regularly to keep the oils mixed
Becky Harris from Cornwall recommends:
- 15ml citronella
- 1tsp washing up liquid
- 4tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp methylated spirits
- 1 mug of strong tea
- Top up to 2 litres with cold water
Ciara from Co. Galway uses:
- 2 pints of stale beer
- 500ml cheap mouthwash
- 5 tablespoons of Epsom Salts
- Mix until the salt has dissolved
- Pour into a spray bottle and ‘Bob’s your uncle’!
You might also like:
Had enough of annoying flies? 15 sprays to help your horse
Get rid of flies with these handy fly gels
Fly masks to protect your horse
Arm your horse with the ideal protective fly rug
7 rugs to help protect horses who are prone to sweet itch
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