6 Best Fly Repellent Shampoos For Horses In Summer Pasture Old Farmers Use
Protect your horse with time-tested solutions. This guide reviews the 6 best fly repellent shampoos that old farmers trust for summer pasture protection.
That constant, rhythmic stomping from the pasture is the sound of summer for many horse owners. It’s the sound of a horse tormented by biting flies, a problem that can turn a peaceful grazing season into a stressful ordeal. While fly sprays are a daily ritual, a solid defense starts at the foundation: the horse’s coat and skin.
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Old-Timer Wisdom on Summer Horse Fly Control
A good fly repellent shampoo isn’t just about getting a horse clean. It’s about creating a less hospitable environment for pests right at the source. Old-timers knew that a clean, healthy coat is the first line of defense, making any subsequent fly spray more effective and last longer.
Think of it as priming a surface before you paint. A bath with the right shampoo removes sweat, dirt, and grime that attract flies in the first place. More importantly, it leaves behind a residual layer of repellent on the hair and skin, providing a base layer of protection that a simple spray can’t replicate.
This approach is about strategy, not just reaction. Instead of only fighting the flies you see, you’re making the horse a less appealing target 24/7. It’s a fundamental step in an integrated pest management plan that reduces stress on the animal and reliance on constant spraying.
Key Ingredients in Effective Fly Shampoos
When you look at the label, you’ll see a few key players doing the heavy lifting. Understanding them helps you choose the right tool for your specific situation, whether you’re dealing with a sensitive-skinned thoroughbred or a hardy pony in a swampy pasture.
Most powerful shampoos rely on pyrethrins or their synthetic cousins, like permethrin. These are insecticides that kill and repel a broad range of pests. They are highly effective and offer lasting protection, but they are chemicals. You need to follow the directions carefully, especially regarding dilution and rinse-out.
On the natural side, you’ll find ingredients like:
- Neem Oil: A potent insect repellent that also has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for the skin.
- Citronella Oil: A classic, well-known repellent that masks the scents that attract flies.
- Cedarwood Oil: Another natural repellent that is particularly effective against ticks and fleas.These options are excellent for horses with sensitive skin or for owners who prefer a less chemical-intensive approach. The tradeoff is often longevity; they may require more frequent use to maintain effectiveness.
Absorbine UltraShield EX for Lasting Relief
When you’re facing intense fly pressure from horse flies, deer flies, and gnats, Absorbine UltraShield EX is a name that comes up for a reason. This isn’t just a shampoo; it’s part of a comprehensive pest control system designed for maximum, lasting power. Its formula is potent and designed to offer residual effects long after the bath is over.
The key here is its combination of pyrethrins and permethrin, fortified with coat conditioners. This blend doesn’t just repel flies; it kills them on contact. Using this shampoo sets a strong foundation that makes the corresponding UltraShield fly spray work even better, creating a powerful one-two punch against the worst summer pests.
This is the choice for a horse living out 24/7 in a challenging environment where biting flies are more than just an annoyance—they’re a health risk. The investment is higher, but for a horse that is truly suffering, the extended relief it provides is often worth the cost. It’s about buying them days of peace instead of just hours.
Farnam Repel-X Shampoo: A Trusted Classic
If there’s a jug that’s been a staple in tack rooms for generations, it’s something from Farnam. The Farnam Repel-X Shampoo is a workhorse product that balances effectiveness with affordability. It’s a no-nonsense solution that gets the job done without a lot of bells and whistles.
This shampoo uses pyrethrins to kill and repel flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. It’s a straightforward formula that lathers well, cleans effectively, and leaves a basic level of repellent behind. It’s the perfect choice for routine bathing during fly season when you need a reliable clean and a bit of added protection.
Think of Repel-X as the standard, dependable option. It may not have the longest-lasting residual effect of the premium brands, but it’s a significant step up from a non-repellent shampoo. For the average hobby farm with moderate fly pressure, it’s a smart, economical choice that delivers consistent results.
Equiderma Neem Shampoo: Potent Natural Defense
For those who prefer to lean on botanicals, Equiderma Neem Shampoo is a standout. This formula bypasses the harsh chemicals and instead harnesses the power of neem oil, a traditional remedy known for its potent insect-repelling and skin-soothing properties. It’s a top pick for horses with sensitive skin, allergies, or sweet itch.
Neem oil works differently than pyrethrins. It’s a repellent that makes the horse unpalatable to biting insects, and it also helps calm the inflammation and itching from previous bites. This shampoo is as much a skin treatment as it is a fly deterrent, helping to break the cycle of itching and scratching that can lead to secondary infections.
The tradeoff for its gentle, natural approach is that you won’t get the same long-lasting, knock-down power as a permethrin-based product. However, for managing chronic skin issues and providing relief without harsh detergents or insecticides, its value is immense. It’s about healing the skin to build a more resilient defense.
Pyranha’s Shampoo: Kills Ticks and Lice Too
Summer pests aren’t limited to just flies. Ticks are a serious concern in many pastures, and lice can be a problem year-round. Pyranha’s Insecticide Shampoo is built for the farm that needs a multi-purpose solution to tackle a range of ectoparasites in one wash.
This is a lanolin-enriched, pyrethrin-based formula, so it not only kills pests but also conditions the coat. Its primary advantage is efficiency. Instead of needing a separate product for tick control, you can address flies, ticks, lice, and fleas with a single bath. This saves time, money, and space in the feed room.
This is the practical choice for a horse that spends time in wooded or overgrown pastures where ticks are prevalent. It’s a powerful cleansing and pest-control tool that simplifies your routine while providing broad-spectrum protection.
Carr & Day & Martin Flygard: Coat Conditioning
Sometimes, you need a product that offers protection without stripping the coat of its natural, healthy shine. Carr & Day & Martin Flygard Shampoo is a high-quality option from a company known for its premium grooming products. It combines effective fly repellency with superior conditioning.
This shampoo uses citronella for its repellent properties, making it a gentler, more natural choice. The real standout, however, is its formulation. It’s designed to leave the coat exceptionally soft and glossy, making it a favorite for those who show or simply take great pride in their horse’s appearance.
This is the ideal shampoo for the horse that gets bathed frequently. It’s gentle enough for regular use and enhances the coat’s condition while providing a moderate level of fly protection. It’s a perfect balance for someone who values both aesthetics and comfort for their animal.
Durvet Fly-Rid Plus: Multi-Species Solution
On a small hobby farm, simplicity is king. The Durvet Fly-Rid Plus Shampoo is a practical, economical choice because it’s formulated for use on multiple species, including horses, foals, dogs, and puppies. One bottle can serve most of the four-legged members of your farm.
This is a classic permethrin-based formula, so it provides effective, killing action against a wide array of pests like fleas, ticks, and lice, in addition to flies. Having one go-to insecticidal shampoo simplifies your inventory and ensures you always have a solution on hand, whether the horse or the farm dog needs a bath.
This product is the essence of practicality. It’s not the most glamorous or specialized, but it is a reliable, broad-spectrum workhorse. For the hobby farmer managing different types of animals on a budget, its versatility makes it an incredibly smart and useful tool to keep in the barn.
Ultimately, the best fly repellent shampoo is the one that fits your horse, your environment, and your management style. A good bath is more than a cleaning chore; it’s the foundation of a quiet, comfortable summer pasture. Choose wisely, and give your horse the relief it deserves.
