What Repels Horse Flies

If you’ve ever spent a summer day with horses or in your garden, you know the misery horse flies bring. Finding out what repels horse flies is crucial for peace and comfort. These persistent biters are more than a nuisance; they can stress animals and leave painful welts on people. This guide focuses on natural, effective solutions you can use right away.

Horse flies are tough opponents. They’re attracted to movement, carbon dioxide, and dark colors. Unlike mosquitoes, their repellents need to be strong. Natural methods work by masking attractants or creating a barrier they avoid. The key is consistency and often using a combination of tactics.

Why Natural Repellents Are a Smart Choice

Chemical sprays can be harsh on skin and the environment. Natural options are often safer for children, pets, and sensitive skin. They are also usally cheaper and you can make them at home. This gives you control over exactly what you’re using in your space.

Top Natural Repellents for People and Animals

These substances have proven track records for keeping horse flies at bay. You can use them on skin, clothing, or in the surrounding area.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Consuming a tablespoon daily can change your body’s scent subtly. You can also dilute it with water for a skin spray.
Neem Oil: This is a powerful, natural insecticide. Mix with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply to exposed skin. Its strong odor is very effective.
Citronella Oil: A classic for a reason. Use in outdoor candles, torches, or mix with witch hazel for a spray.
Peppermint Oil: Horse flies dislike the strong minty smell. Combine with water and a bit of vodka (as an emulsifier) in a spray bottle.
Lavender Oil: Soothing for you, repulsive to them. Apply diluted oil directly or make a linen spray for hats and bandanas.
Lemongrass Oil: Similar to citronella, it’s a fresh, strong deterrent. Great for patio and porch areas.

How to Make a Simple Essential Oil Spray

Get a 4-ounce spray bottle.
Fill it halfway with distilled water.
Add 2 tablespoons of witch hazel or vodka.
Add 30-40 drops of your chosen essential oils (e.g., 20 drops citronella, 10 drops peppermint, 10 drops lavender).
Shake well before each use. Spray on clothing (do a fabric test first) and skin, avoiding eyes and mouth.

Environmental Controls to Reduce Horse Flies

Repelling isn’t just about what you put on your body. Managing your environment is half the battle. Horse flies breed near water and are attracted to certain conditions.

Eliminate Standing Water: Empty buckets, bird baths, clogged gutters, and old tires. This disrupts their breeding cycle.
Keep Grass and Weeds Trimmed: Tall grass provides a cool, damp resting place for adult flies. Regular mowing helps.
Use Fans: On patios or in stables, strong fans create a wind barrier. Horse flies are poor fliers in strong wind.
Install Physical Traps: Commercial traps that use visual cues (dark balls) and carbon dioxide can catch many flies. Place them away from where you gather.
Wear Light-Colored Clothing: Horse flies are drawn to dark, moving shapes. Light colors make you less of a target.

Protecting Your Horses Naturally

Horses suffer terribly from horse fly bites. Chemical fly sprays can cause reactions. Here are gentler methods.

Fly Masks and Sheets: Physical barriers are extremely effective. A good fly sheet with UV protection is worth the investment.
Homemade Horse Spray: Mix 2 cups water, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 cup of a carrier like Avon Skin So Soft or coconut oil. Add 30 drops of citronella or neem oil. Shake well and spray on the horse’s coat, avoiding eyes and face.
Stable Management: Keep manure piles far from stalls and compost them properly. Use stall fans and keep areas dry and clean.
Herbal Buddy Sachets: Make small bags of dried lavender, mint, and rosemary. Hang them in the stable or attach to the halter.

A Note on Safety for Animals

Always patch test any new spray on a small area of your horse’s skin. Watch for irritation. Avoid getting sprays directly in there eyes or on open wounds. Consult your vet if you’re unsure about an ingredient.

Garden Plants That Help Repel Horse Flies

Your landscaping can be your first line of defense. Planting certain herbs and flowers around sitting areas or walkways creates a natural repellent zone.

Basil: Plant in pots near doors. Its strong scent is unappealing to many insects.
Lavender: Beautiful, drought-tolerant, and a powerful repellent. Plant it along pathways.
Lemongrass: This is the plant citronella oil comes from. It’s a tender perennial best grown in large pots.
Marigolds: These contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide. They’re great for garden borders.
Mint: Be careful, as it’s invasive. Grow it in containers to keep it controlled. Crush leaves to release more scent.
Rosemary: Another wonderful aromatic herb. You can brush against it to release oils or clip sprigs for tables.

Common Mistakes That Attract Horse Flies

Sometimes, we accidentally invite them in. Avoid these pitfalls.

Wearing perfumes or scented lotions outdoors (they can attract some flies).
Leaving pet food or fallen fruit from trees in the yard.
Letting water pool in potted plant saucers or kiddie pools for days.
Working in the garden during peak horse fly hours (usually hot, humid daylight).

When to Reapply and Other Tips

Natural repellents often need more frequent application than chemical ones. Reapply sprays every 1-2 hours for best results. Sweat and water will wash them off. On horses, reapply after rolling or sweating. Consistency is your best friend. Rotate repellents occasionally so the flies don’t get used to one scent.

FAQ: Your Horse Fly Questions Answered

What smell do horse flies hate the most?

Horse flies strongly dislike the scents of citronella, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Vinegar and neem oil are also very effective due to there pungent odor.

Does vinegar keep horse flies away?

Yes, both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar can repel horse flies. You can use it in sprays, add it to your horse’s feed, or wipe it on your skin (diluted).

How can I keep horse flies off my property?

Combine methods: eliminate standing water, keep grass short, use fans on patios, set traps away from living areas, and plant repellent herbs like lavender and mint.

What is a homemade repellent for horse flies on horses?

A simple one is equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, with a few tablespoons of coconut oil and 20 drops of citronella oil. Shake vigorously and spray on the coat.

Why are horse flies so hard to repel?

They are persistent, visual hunters attracted to large, dark moving objects (like animals and people). They’re also strong fliers, so a multi-pronged approach is often nessecary.

Dealing with horse flies requires a bit of strategy, but it’s entirely possible without harsh chemicals. Start by cleaning up breeding sites, then add a good repellent spray and some strategic plants. Protect your animals with physical barriers and natural sprays. With these steps, you can enjoy your summer outdoors with far fewer painful interruptions. Remember, the goal is to make your space and yourself less attractive than somewhere else.