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Make your own fly spray - the cheap and smart alternative

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Which fly spray is the best? Photo: Malgré Tout

Flies, mosquitoes, horseflies, midges, wasps, ticks, and mites. As a horse enthusiast, you are probably familiar with most of these little, irritating creatures. The market for insect products is also expanding every year. At Malgré Tout, we've made it our mission to scour the internet for the best recipes for homemade fly spray for your horse. That way, you'll hopefully be well-prepared for the season's pests.

A COSTLY AFFAIR

Most insect products are developed to repel flies, horseflies, and mosquitoes. However, using a spray can become costly in the long run. Additionally, some types of fly sprays are suspected to have adverse health effects on horses. Therefore, it is recommended to check up on the brand you use and choose one that does not contain toxic substances.

Read also: DIY: 4 remedies against the insects

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IF YOU PREFER TO CREATE YOUR OWN PRODUCT, HERE ARE A SERIES OF RECIPES WE HAVE GATHERED FOR YOU:

The cheapest

1/3 part vinegar
2/3 parts water
Juice from 3 lemons
Optional: peppermint oil

The one that has the best scent

1/4 part baby oil
1/4 part water
1/2 part fruit vinegar, for example, apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp eucalyptus oil
2 tbsp citronella oil or a grated knob of ginger

The one that smells the worst

2/3 part water
1/3 part black tea
4 cloves of garlic (pressed)
Juice from 1 lemon
1 dl vinegar

Use an empty and cleaned plastic bottle with a spray nozzle and store it in a cool and dark place at the stable. A common aspect of all three recipes is that the spray is best left to steep for about a day before use.

Before applying a spray to your or your horse's entire body, always remember to test it on a small area to check for any allergic reactions.

Read also: Get rid of flies, horseflies, mites, and mosquitoes

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GIVE YOUR HORSE GARLIC

In addition, there are several alternative solutions to help keep insects away. By giving your horse 1-2 whole cloves of garlic or garlic granules, you assist it in repelling insects. Garlic is absorbed into the body, which insects do not like. Additionally, garlic supports many bodily functions, including respiratory health, digestion, and the immune system.

WATER WITH CLOVES IN THE STABLE AND A CLOTH ON THE SADDLE

If you are troubled by flies in the stable, a cup of water with a few drops of clove oil can have a preventive effect on the winged creatures. You can also take a damp cloth, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, and tie it securely to the saddle before riding in the woods.

Have a great summer!

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