Three Reasons to Rotate Fly Spray

If you’re like most horse people, you’ve probably got a few favorites. Favorite tack cleaner, favorite horse shampoo, favorite fly spray.  However, when it comes to fly sprays, there’s a problem with using just one fly spray all season long, year after year: it may not be the right product for the job. Not only that, experts warn continual use of the same active ingredient can lead to resistance. They recommend rotating among the classes frequently. But which fly spray is best to use when?

Rotating fly sprays doesn’t have to be complicated, learn how to select the ideal product based on the fly population, the current weather, and even your plans with your horse that day.

  • How many flies?
    The first thing to consider when choosing a fly spray is the number of flies in your area. In the spring, temperatures are mild in many parts of the country (50°-80°F) and fly numbers may still be on the low side. This is a great opportunity to go with a formula that’s not advertised as “ultimate” or “extreme” since it’s not needed yet. For example, eco-friendly UltraShield Green, with its seven essential oils, is powerful enough to repel low numbers of flies, mosquitoes, and even gnats for up to eight hours.


    By early to mid-summer though, it’s been consistently warm enough for the fly population to grow and be a bit more active. This moderate level of fly activity calls for a fly spray that’s ideal for normal conditions: UltraShield Red. With five active ingredients, it both kills and repels irritating insects.

    Depending on the rest of your fly control measures, late summer/early fall can mean dealing with swarms of hungry flies and mosquitoes! Rely on a heavy-hitter like UltraShield EX during the season’s most challenging conditions as it’s the most advanced formula in the family.
    UltraShield EX being used on bay horse
  • How’s the weather?
    As you can see, temperature has a lot to do with the number of flies and how aggressive they are. The hottest months of the year – July, August, and September – are when these pests are at their peak. Now it’s time to add in another factor: humidity.

    If you live in a part of the country that’s hot and dry during the summer, stick with UltraShield Red for moderate fly activity and save UltraShield EX for the toughest conditions. However, if you live where it’s hot and humid, switch to sweat-resistant UltraShield Sport (and keep EX handy for those tough days).
  • How active is your horse?
    Believe it or not, how hard your horse works also plays a role in your choice of fly sprays. When fly numbers are low, trail riding, light training, and turnout can all be made more comfortable for your horse with:
    • the all-natural UltraShield Green,
    • the 24/7 protection of UltraShield Red, or
    • the rain- and sweat-resistant UltraShield Blue

      A fly spray that’s sweat-resistant is also your go-to product for those “wet saddle blanket” days when your horse works up a sweat while training or competing.


      In any situation though, when fly numbers are high, your horse will thank you for the power of UltraShield EX.

Bottom Line

Unless flies are at their worst and you need superior protection, choose different fly sprays for different challenges. Turning your horse out on a hot and humid day? Reach for a sweat-resistant formula. Going on a trail ride with the dog and the whole family on a cool spring day? Choose an all-natural, eco-safe fly repellent. Time for a training session in your hot and dry location? Opt for a proven performer that’s effective under normal conditions.

Let’s face it: we’re never going to win the war on flies. But we can keep our horses and ourselves happier and more comfortable by strategically rotating fly sprays.

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