Protecting horses from flies is essential for comfort, health, and performance. This guide highlights top fly control blocks and feed-through products designed to reduce fly populations by interrupting their life cycle, while staying safe for horses. We compare palatability, EPA/ veterinary backing, and long-lasting protection to help you pick the right solution for your barn. Below is a quick summary table of five leading products to consider before diving into detailed sections.
| Product | Brand | Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula 707 MultiFly Feed-Thru Pellets | Formula 707 | Feed-Thru Pellets | Novaluron-based, long-lasting population reduction |
| Farnam SimpliFly Feed Through (3.75 lbs) | Farnam | Feed-Thru Pellets | Early-life cycle disruption, EPA-approved |
| Farnam SimpliFly Feed Through (10 lbs) | Farnam | Feed-Thru Pellets | Extended supply, EPA-approved |
| Farnam Equi-Spot | Farnam | Spot-On | Up to 14 days of protection per application |
| Farnam Equitrol II | Farnam | Feed-Thru | Prevents development of house and stable flies |
Formula 707 MultiFly Feed-Thru Pellets for Horses
Formula 707 MultiFly Pellets are designed as a palatable, safe feed-through solution that targets the fly life cycle. The product uses the active ingredient Novaluron, an insect growth regulator that interrupts development to help reduce the overall fly population in barns. It is marketed as non-organophosphate and is described as safe for horses, with a daily serving that blends easily with feed. This option is positioned for barn-wide implementation and long-term fly suppression, particularly in environments with persistent stable fly activity.
Farnam SimpliFly Feed Through Fly Control (3.75 lbs)
SimpliFly works by disrupting fly development in manure, reducing populations by a substantial margin when fed daily. It carries EPA approval, underscoring safety and effectiveness. Farnam has a long history in equine care, and SimpliFly is a widely trusted feed-through option that aligns well with routine feeding. The product emphasizes an inside-out approach, helping tackle flies at the larval stage to prevent hatch-out and subsequent adult fly presence.
Farnam SimpliFly Feed Through Fly Control (10 lbs)
This larger 10-pound bag expands the daily feed-through approach for farms with more horses or higher fly pressure. It uses the same EPA-approved larvicide strategy to prevent stable fly breeding in manure. The palatable pellets mix with grain, enabling seamless daily administration without additional handling. It’s positioned as a veterinarian-recommended, long-term solution for reducing fly populations across seasons.
Farnam Equitrol II Feed-Through Fly Control
Equitrol II emphasizes a simple feeding protocol, offering a highly palatable feed additive designed to reduce fly populations by targeting larvae in the horse’s manure. It is promoted as a strong addition to a comprehensive pest management program, helping minimize adult fly emergence and associated nuisance. The 20-pound bucket is designed for long-term use across a single horse, providing a broad daily coverage that supports consistent fly control throughout the year.
Farnam Repel-X Insecticide & Repellent (Spray)
While not a feed-through option, Repel-X is a water-based spray designed to kill and repel multiple fly species, mosquitos, ticks, gnats, and other pests on horses and premises. It provides ready-to-use protection without the need for mixing, making it a convenient adjunct to feed-through programs, especially for spot treatments and immediate relief in high-pressure areas.
Absorbine UltraShield EX Spray
UltraShield EX delivers a weatherproof, ready-to-use spray designed to protect horses and premises from a broad range of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and more. It offers up to 17 days of protection with UltraBond technology, making it suitable for challenging outdoor conditions. Its non-greasy, water-based formula helps maintain coat comfort while providing durable repellent effects.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right fly control strategy for horses depends on several factors. Consider the following perspectives to balance effectiveness, safety, and convenience:
- Mode of action: Feed-through products reduce larvae in manure, interruptting the fly life cycle from within. Spot-on and spray options provide immediate protection but may require more frequent application.
- Horse health and safety: Ensure products are labeled safe for horses and do not conflict with other medications or supplements. EPA and veterinarian endorsements add confidence.
- Palatability and administration: Palatable pellets ease daily administration, especially in farms with multiple horses. For picky eaters, mixing or alternate timing may be necessary.
- Seasonal coverage: In warmer months with higher fly activity, combine feed-through with barrier sprays or spot-ons for layered protection.
- Environmental considerations: Some products target specific fly species; consider local fly pressure and pasture conditions to tailor the approach.
- Long-term maintenance: Feed-through options offer ongoing control by reducing breeding in manure, but may require consistent daily feeding over weeks to months for full effect.
- Cost and supply: Larger bag sizes and multi-horse programs can optimize costs, but require steady administration and storage considerations.
- Application routine: Evaluate whether you prefer once-daily feed-through, or periodic spot-on/spray treatments, and align with barn chores and feeding schedules.
Comparison Snapshot
- Feed-through pellets (Novaluron-based or larvicide-focused) provide inside-out control and long-term population reduction.
- Spot-on products offer ready-to-use protection with extended intervals between applications but may need supplementary measures in wet or highly infested settings.
- Sprays deliver immediate, broad coverage for animals and premises, useful for quick relief and targeted treatment.
- EPA approval, veterinary recommendations, and brand reputation influence reliability and user confidence over time.
Across these options, the best strategy often combines a primary feed-through program with periodic spot-on or spray treatments to address adult flies and fresh hatching in manure. Always follow product label directions and consult a veterinarian for integrated pest management tailored to your barn’s needs.