DIY Fly Spray - starting protected into the summer
The weather is getting better and the sun starts to shine again. But the good mood you are in when spending time outside with your horse does not last very long. Flies, mosquitoes and the like are constant companions and are not only disturbing you but your horse.
But with a simple homemade fly spray, nothing stands between you and a nice day together with your four-legged friend.
- Ingredients
- 500 ml Apple Cider Vinegar
- 500 ml Black Tea
- A few Cloves
- 4 ml Tea Tree Oil
- 5 ml Lavender Oil
- And that's how it's done:
Boil the Tea and add the cloves directly to it. Tip: The longer you let the tea steep, the more effective the spray is going to be (preferably 1-2 days).Then the cloves are skimmed off and the tea can be filled into a spray bottle. Finally, add the remaining ingredients and shake well. And you are good to go! If your horse has a light coat color you can also use green tea instead of black tea.
Important Notice: Please make sure that the essential oils are not applied directly to the fur. It is recommended to dissolve 10 ml of oils in at least 100 ml of water.
- Sensitive Spots
The genitals and the head should be left out. But you can rub your horse in these areas with a sponge and organic coconut oil. This not only repels flies but also leaves behind a shiny coat.
- Allergies
Just liek us humans, horses also have intolerances. To check wheter your horse can tolerate the homemade spray, only spray on a small area first. If an allergic reaction appears after a few minutes wsh the affected area thoroughly.
However, the spray should not be a problem for most horses as it is made from natural ingredients and contains no chemicals.
- Improve the effectiveness
As your horse sweats the intensity of the odor will decrease. It is therefore advisable to apply the spray to saddle pads or fly rugs as the smell lasts much longer on those surfaces.
- Prevention
Insects are guided by body odors and they are particularly attracted by the smell of sweat. It is therefore advisable to showeryour horse after it was sweating. You can clean the head with a sponge or microfibre cloth.
