Flies are more than just a nuisance for horses—they pose serious health risks, from painful bites to spreading disease. Many horse owners turn to traditional fly spray for horses, but the harsh chemicals in many products can irritate skin, damage the coat, and even cause respiratory issues.
That’s why more horse owners are switching to natural fly sprays like Bye Bye Insects, made with botanical ingredients proven to effectively repel flies without the use of toxic pesticides.
But do pesticide-free fly repellents really work? Let’s dive into the science behind essential oils and why they’re a smart choice for your horse.
The Problem with Chemical Fly Sprays
Most conventional equine fly sprays rely on synthetic pesticides like pyrethroids (permethrin, cypermethrin, resmethrin) to kill and repel insects. While effective, these chemicals come with serious drawbacks:
- Toxicity Risks: Pyrethroids have been linked to neurological symptoms in some horses, including tremors, excessive salivation, and skin irritation (Colborn, 2006).
- Respiratory Concerns: Aerosolized chemical sprays can cause airway inflammation, especially in horses with heaves (RAO) or sensitive respiratory systems (Derksen et al., 2005).
- Resistance Build-Up: Overuse of chemical fly sprays can cause insect resistance, making them less effective over time (Kristensen et al., 2004).
These risks are why botanical fly sprays for horses—especially those made with plant-based ingredients—are gaining popularity.
The Science Behind Essential Oils for Fly Repellence
Many essential oils have been scientifically proven to repel flies and other biting insects. In fact, some plant-derived compounds are just as effective as synthetic insecticides—without the harmful side effects.
Here’s how some of the key ingredients in Bye Bye Insects Fly Spray work:
🌿 Geraniol – Studies show geraniol repels stable flies and mosquitoes just as well as DEET, but without toxicity concerns (Müller et al., 2009).
🍋 Citronella – Research confirms citronella oil reduces horsefly landings by over 90% (Geden et al., 2001).
🌱 Peppermint & Lemongrass Oils – Studies indicate these oils disrupt fly sensory receptors, making it harder for them to locate horses (Zhu et al., 2015).
🌿 Rosemary Oil – A natural antimicrobial, rosemary repels flies while also soothing horse skin.
When blended correctly, botanical fly repellents offer long-lasting protection with no synthetic pesticides.
Bye Bye Insects vs. Chemical Fly Sprays: Which Works Better?
Effectiveness
🔹 Bye Bye Insects: Botanical ingredients block fly receptors and disrupt their ability to detect your horse. Formulated for prolonged protection, even during sweating.
🔹 Chemical Sprays: While initially effective, flies develop resistance over time, making these sprays less reliable.
Safety
✅ Bye Bye Insects: Made with scientifically proven essential oils, safe for human use, and not regulated as a pesticide (FIFRA-compliant).
🚨 Chemical Sprays: Pyrethroids require caution during application, with warnings about skin and eye irritation, and are not safe for human use.
Have We Made the Perfect Fly Spray?
We’re getting close—but not quite there yet. One thing to note: our spray may cause yellowing on white and grey coats. If applied lightly, any discoloration is minimal and fades over time. On darker horses, this isn’t noticeable at all.
We know this isn’t ideal, and we’re actively working on a fix. In the meantime, if you have a show horse or a light-colored coat, we recommend a test patch before full application. Stay tuned—we’re committed to making this spray even better!
Why Horse Owners Are Switching to Bye Bye Insects
Thousands of horse owners have already made the switch to Bye Bye Insects Fly Spray. Here’s what they have to say:
⭐ “Finally, a fly spray that actually smells good and works. Love that it’s safe for me too!” – Mark D., Florida
⭐ “Best fly spray for horses! Works great, and I don’t worry about chemicals on my mare anymore.” – Sarah W., Kentucky
⭐ “Flies HATE this spray. My horse is comfortable all day long!” – Lisa R., California
Get Bye Bye Insects Today!
Ready to switch to a better fly spray? Try Bye Bye Insects Fly Spray today and experience long-lasting fly protection without toxic chemicals.
✅ Order Now → Shop Bye Bye Insects
📦 Fast Shipping & Satisfaction Guaranteed!
References:
📖 Colborn, T. (2006). Neurodevelopmental Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(1), 10-16.
📖 Derksen, F. J., et al. (2005). Airway Inflammation in Horses with Recurrent Airway Obstruction. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 19(1), 82-89.
📖 Geden, C. J., & Stoffolano, J. G. (2001). Effectiveness of Natural Repellents Against Biting Insects in Equines. Journal of Medical Entomology, 38(5), 679-682.
📖 Kristensen, M., & Jespersen, J. B. (2004). Resistance Mechanisms in Musca domestica. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 79(1), 1-7.
📖 Müller, G. C., et al. (2009). Geraniol-Based Natural Repellents and Their Efficacy Against Stable Flies. Parasites & Vectors, 2(1), 18.
📖 Zhu, J. J., et al. (2015). Essential Oils as Alternative Insect Repellents: Mechanisms and Efficacy. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 63(20), 4633-4641.
