Best Equine Fly Control Block Solutions for a Safer Barn
Protecting horses from biting flies starts with choosing effective fly control products that are safe, easy to use, and EPA-approved when applicable. This guide highlights five well-regarded options, including feed-through fly control pellets and spray formulas, to help keep barns cleaner and horses more comfortable. Each product section provides a quick view of benefits, usage notes, and why it works within an integrated fly management plan.
| Product | Brand | Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula 707 MultiFly Feed-Thru Pellets | Formula 707 Store | Feed-Thru Pellets | Targets fly life cycle from inside the manure |
| Farnam Equi-Spot | Farnam Store | Spot-On | Long-lasting protection for pastured horses |
| Formula 707 MultiFly (5 lb) | Formula 707 Store | Feed-Thru Pellets | Smaller bag, same inside-out approach |
| Farnam Endure Fly Spray | Farnam Store | Spray | Sweat-resistant, up to 14 days protection |
| Farnam SimpliFly | Farnam Store | Feed-Thru Pellets | EPA-approved larvicide, reduces larvae in manure |
Formula 707 MultiFly Feed-Thru Pellets (10 lb)
The Formula 707 MultiFly Pellets use an Insect Growth Regulator, Novaluron, to disrupt the fly life cycle. This approach reduces fly populations by preventing larvae from maturing, contributing to long-term control. The product is positioned as safe for horses, avoiding organophosphate ingredients. Pellets are alfalfa and wheat midd-based, designed to be fed daily with regular feed to ensure consistent intake and effectiveness.
Farnam Equi-Spot Fly Control
Equi-Spot provides long-lasting protection, covering horses when daily applications aren’t feasible. It’s designed to kill and repel ticks that may transmit Lyme disease when applied every two weeks and also helps reduce mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus and Equine Encephalitis. Ideal for pastured horses, this spot-on treatment can keep insects off for up to about two weeks between applications.
Formula 707 MultiFly Pellets (5 lb)
This 5 lb bag mirrors the 10 lb option, delivering the same Novaluron-based fly population reduction strategy. The smaller bag format may suit smaller stables or those who want to trial the product before committing to a larger quantity. The pellets remain alfalfa- and wheat midd-based for ease of mixing with regular feed, maintaining palatability for daily consumption.
Farnam Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Spray
Endure provides sweat-resistant protection that lasts up to 14 days, helping prevent exposure to a range of insects that vector diseases. Its formulation is designed to withstand sweat and rain, making it suitable for variable weather conditions. The spray targets flies, gnats, mosquitoes, ticks, and lice, offering a broad-spectrum option in a single bottle.
Farnam SimpliFly Feed Through
SimpliFly is an EPA-approved feed-through solution focusing on eliminating stable flies at the source—manure. By targeting larval stages, it reduces fly breeding before adults emerge. The pellets are formulated for palatability so horses readily eat them with daily feed, and the formula has a history of veterinary support and long-standing use in equine care.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Targeted control approach: Internal (feed-through) vs external (spray/spot-on) methods. Combining both can provide multi-layered protection throughout the barn.
- Active ingredients and safety: Look for non-organophosphate options when safety for horses is a priority. Insect Growth Regulators and larvicides offer long-term control with different risk profiles.
- Administration practicality: Consider your stable’s feeding routines, turnout patterns, and whether daily feed-ready pellets or periodic applications suit your operation.
- Coverage duration: Sprays and spot-ons often offer several days to weeks of protection; feed-through products work continuously as horses consume the pellets.
- Environment and weather: Sweat resistance and rain tolerance influence spray effectiveness in humid or wet climates.
- EPA approval and veterinary guidance: For long-term use, especially in breeding or young horses, select EPA-approved products and consult a veterinarian when integrating multiple products.
- Cost and bag size: Weigh the upfront cost against expected consumption and duration to estimate annual or seasonal expenses.
Product Selection Considerations From Multiple Angles
- Internal lifecycle disruption: Products like Novaluron-based pellets address flies at the larval stage, reducing adult populations over time.
- External barrier protection: Spot-on and spray options provide immediate relief and can be handy during peak fly seasons or turnout changes.
- Palatability and daily intake: Feed-through options rely on consistent daily consumption; palatability is crucial to avoid skipped doses.
- Safety profile and usage: Avoid organophosphates when possible and follow label directions for dosage and frequency to protect horses and stable helpers.
- Integrated management: Combine chemical controls with environmental management (manure removal, sanitation, fans, stalls) for best results.