I use “Off” for the ticks, but is it also good for the darn deer flies? We hit a swarm of them in the woods the other day - I swear, they must have nests.
Normally I use Absorbine Ultrashield, but its so darn expensive especially when I wash her off after every ride because it has been so humid here lately.
Farnham Endure works pretty well for deer flys–but you really do have to get them wet–I spray then wipe it in with a paper towel. I also use an ear bonnet. The deer flys in Ohio seem to head for the poll–the Endure keeps them off the face, the ear bonnet takes care of the ears, and I can swat them on Arrow’s neck.
I worry a bit about Off since it’s for people–I use it for mosquitos only, and I use it sparingly.
I strongly suggest you do some web searching with the topic of DEET and animals. I put my 2 cents worth into a discussion in another COTH forum about this subject. DEET is actually a potentially dangerous and toxic substance. Yes, I use it carefully on myself. But, research has shown that DEET gets really dangerous when it is combined with other chemicals. It absorbs into the body at much higher rates when combined, for example, with sunscreen. I’ve read several warnings that it should never be mixed with other forms of insect repellents, such as the pyrethrums/permethrins. Deet may cause skin peeling on horses due to a chemical burn. It has been know to cause memory loss and numerous physical ailments when used regularly in larger amounts on humans. One researcher believes it is what is behind Desert Storm syndrome.
There is a reason that you find no Equine products with Deet in it. I suspect the interaction with other chemicals and the skin peeling may be behind it. Yes, I know that many people have tried it and not seen a problem but others have had their horses skin peel. In my opinion, if this was a safe chemical to use on horses we would be seeing it on the shelves in the tack store; no way would the potential profits be overlooked by the companies that make and sell other fly repellent products. They know what the research has proven.
So please use caution.
Bonnie
Thanks - That is a very good point. Companies would be scrambling to come up with a DEET product for flies if it meant very good profits.
I used it last year on her legs for trail riding only because the ticks are so bad around here and found “Off” was the only product that really worked.
I’ved used Deep Woods OFF for years and never had any problems.
I believe it’s NOT on the shelves in tack stores for horses because IT WORKS. They make big $$$$ selling you $20/quart flyspray that lasts for 1 hour.
In the midwest where we have mosquito swarms so thick you can hear them humming, you BETTER use something that works or else your horse will get carried off into the sunset. I have never found an equine product that works against mosquitos except that Eqyss Marigold spray and it’s still not as effective as OFF.
Also for ticks - we ride in really thick woods around here. If I forget to apply OFF to myself and the horse, I will find at least 5 ticks crawling on us when I get back to the barn. If I use OFF, I don’t have any ticks. I’ve never found any other equine product that’s effective against ticks. They say they are, but they aren’t.
But in any case I use sheets, neck covers and fly masks so I can reduce the amount of chemicals needed. I spray my horses very little. Even for riding I have the Crusader Quiet Ride suit and then spray the exposed areas.
Pros and cons of chemicals
Not that I like using chemicals, but… when they mean that my horse and I can enjoy ourselves out on the trail instead of being driven crazy or instead of sitting in the same old stall or paddock day after day, I’ll do it, though I’ll be as sparing as possible. Better many days of enjoying the trails now, than regrets about not getting out there. I use fly masks that cover ears and muzzle, and neck things. And, I am taking back a nearly full bottle of the latest fly spray (something in a yellow bottle) not to get back the money, but just to vent to the store, “This crap is worthless!!” (at least is has proven so for central MA).
Someone explain to me where my horse is putting all her fly masks. She goes out into the field every day with yet another nice fresh spiffy new fly mask on, and at the end of the day, the mask has been vaporized, or perhaps kidnapped by aliens. I swear my computer has learned on its own to order me a new fly mask every week. I should find a way to buy them in bulk! 
My vet advises that you use Frontline Spray on your horses legs if you are frustrated with the typical fly spray. She says it’s safe to use.
I disagree about why we aren’t seeing Deet products for horses. If it was approved for use and safe you would see 6oz spray bottles of Deet Equine for $20.
Like I said, testing has been done at universities and they show problems when mixing Deet with other chemicals. Horse people spray everything imaginable on their horses. so Beware.
Bonnie
I do have Frontline spray in my mixed bag of repellents, I’ll give that a try again… Thanks.
Sharon,
Have you tried the SmartPak fly masks? I have the pink plaid one for my mare and love it.
Has a double velcro enclosure and she has never ever rubbed it off. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t even shift on her face when she is out with it.
Highly recommend it.
I really like the looks of the add-on fly mask that you can attach to your bridle.
But normally I use a horsehair fly whisk when the deer flies get bad.
That Frontline suggestion is cool!
I do not use a full ear fly mask when riding because he gets sweaty ears and it bugs him. Most of them are too big for hs ears, anyway.
Some cool ideas here, for sure!
Frontline
Yeah, my vet actually owns horses, they have a nice little farm. The frontline is expensive but she says that it is a good alternative for folks who can’t spray their horses daily as it really lasts (unlike the other sprays that claim to last). I used it years ago when my dog picked up a terrible infestation of fleas at the farm I was boarding at. It worked faster and better then the Frontline spot applicator.
Bonnie
Frontline Spray
Forgot to add that Amazon.com is the best place to buy it. In fact, overall, I think amazon’s prices are lower and once you get an account with them ordering anything is very quick and easy. Not an ad!
Bonnie
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