Keeping Horses Safe from Flies, Mosquitoes, and Other Biting Insects

Date Posted:2 August 2025 

 

Warmer weather is almost here, which means flies, mozzies, midges and ticks are on the way. These biting insects do more than annoy your horse; they interrupt grazing, cause constant itching, and can lead to painful skin conditions such as Queensland Itch. Some pests can also spread disease.

In this guide you will learn how to protect your horse with targeted products: long lasting fly repellents, well fitting fly masks, lightweight fly rugs and sheets, soothing treatments for Queensland Itch, and tick removal and control. We also explain how to spot early signs of irritation so you can act quickly with the right solution.

Everything featured below can be added to cart and purchased directly from The Vet Shed. Read on to stop flies bothering your horse this season.

 

Stop Flies Bothering Your Horse

 

1. Horse Fly Repellent Sprays & Wipes

Choose a fly repellent that’s specifically formulated for horses and suited to your local climate conditions. Not all repellents are created equal. Some offer stronger protection against certain species of flies or mozzies, while others are designed for everyday use on sensitive skin. For active horses or those in humid areas, look for products that provide long-lasting coverage and are sweat-resistant, so they won’t lose effectiveness during exercise or in hot weather.

If your horse has sensitive skin, select a gentle formula free from harsh chemicals, yet still effective at repelling pests. Many repellents also contain conditioning agents to help maintain coat health while protecting against insects. Always follow the application instructions carefully and reapply as directed, especially after heavy sweating, bathing, or rain to maintain a strong protective barrier throughout the day.

Below you’ll find our most recommended horse fly repellents, each chosen for their proven performance and trusted by horse owners across Australia.

2. Fly Masks & Eye Protection

A well-fitting fly mask is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce irritation around your horse’s eyes, muzzle, and face. Flies are naturally drawn to moisture, making the eyes and nostrils a prime target. A quality mask creates a protective barrier, preventing flies from landing and causing discomfort or introducing infection.

When selecting a fly mask, choose one with soft binding or fleece edging to prevent rubbing, secure yet comfortable closures to keep it in place, and durable mesh that allows for clear vision while blocking pests. For sunny days, consider masks with built-in UV protection to help shield delicate facial skin and eyes from harmful rays.

Remove the mask daily to check your horse’s eyes, wipe away any debris, and clean the mesh to maintain airflow and comfort. Below you’ll find our most recommended fly masks, chosen for their comfort, durability, and proven effectiveness.

3. Fly Rugs & Sheets

Fly rugs and sheets provide an effective physical barrier between your horse and biting insects, helping to prevent irritation and keep your horse more comfortable during the warmer months. A lightweight, breathable design allows air to circulate while stopping flies, mozzies, and midges from landing directly on the coat.

When choosing a fly rug, look for fine, durable mesh that resists tearing while still being soft against the skin. Added features like extended neck coverage, tail flaps, and secure fastenings can offer extra protection in high insect areas. Light colours can also help reflect heat, keeping your horse cooler under the sun.

A well-fitted fly rug can make a big difference in reducing stress and skin irritation during peak bug season. Below you’ll find our most recommended fly rugs and sheets, each designed to balance protection with comfort.

 

Midges & Queensland Itch (Sweet Itch) Relief

Midges and sandflies are tiny biting insects that can trigger Queensland Itch, also known as sweet itch or summer itch. This is an allergic skin reaction caused by the horse’s immune system overreacting to proteins in the saliva of these insects when they bite. The reaction leads to intense itching, which often causes horses to rub themselves excessively against fences, posts, and trees.

Queensland Itch is most common in warm, humid climates and during the warmer months when midge populations peak. The bites are typically concentrated along the mane, tail, and midline of the belly, where hair loss, scabs, and broken skin can develop. Once the skin is damaged, it becomes more vulnerable to infection, which can prolong discomfort and make the condition harder to manage.

Certain horses appear more prone to Queensland Itch, and once a horse develops the allergy, it often becomes a recurring seasonal problem. Prevention is key — stopping bites before they happen can dramatically reduce flare-ups. Combining physical barriers, such as fine mesh rugs and hoods, with targeted repellents and soothing after-bite skin care can help control symptoms and keep your horse comfortable throughout the season.

Below you’ll find our most recommended products for managing Queensland Itch, including repellents to deter midges and soothing treatments to calm irritated skin.

 

Soothing Skin Care & After‑Bite Relief

Use gentle, non‑sting sprays, creams or gels to calm itchy areas and support skin repair. Keep the coat clean and dry, and avoid harsh shampoos that strip natural oils.

 

Tick Checks & Tick Control for Horses

Ticks are small parasites that attach to the skin to feed on blood, causing local irritation, swelling, and in some cases transmitting serious diseases. They are more active in warm, humid conditions and can be picked up while grazing in long grass or bushy areas.

During tick season, check your horse daily by running your hands along the coat — paying close attention to areas ticks favour, such as under the jaw, around the mane, along the tail base, and between the hind legs. Early detection reduces the risk of skin irritation and disease transmission.

Remove ticks promptly using a proper tick removal tool to ensure the head is not left behind, and apply a suitable topical control product according to label directions to help prevent reattachment.

 

Protect Wounds From Flies

Flies are naturally attracted to moisture, making even small cuts, grazes, and abrasions a target for irritation. When flies land on wounds, they can delay healing, increase inflammation, and in some cases introduce bacteria that may lead to infection.

To support healing and protect your horse from pests, clean any minor wound with a gentle, non-sting antiseptic to remove dirt and debris. Once clean, apply a barrier cream or protective spray to create a physical shield that helps keep flies, midges, and other biting insects away while the skin repairs.

Consistent wound care not only speeds up recovery but also reduces the risk of further complications, allowing your horse to stay comfortable and active during the warmer months.

 

Stable & Paddock Management That Reduces Bugs

Good stable and paddock management can make a noticeable difference in reducing the number of flies, mozzies, and midges around your horse. Start by removing manure daily, as it’s a prime breeding ground for flies, and keep feed areas clean to avoid attracting pests. In the stable, use fans to create airflow — flying insects struggle to navigate in moving air, which helps keep them away from your horse.

In paddocks, check for and eliminate standing water such as puddles, trough overflow, or water collected in containers, as these quickly become mosquito breeding sites. Consider placing fly traps around the perimeter of paddocks or stable blocks — positioned away from where your horse spends most of their time — to help reduce pest numbers without attracting them closer.

 

Quick Tips for Fewer Bites

For the best results, apply insect repellents to clean, dry coats so they adhere better and last longer. Rug your horse during peak midge activity, often early morning and evening, especially if they graze near water. If your horse has sensitive skin, introduce new products gradually and always patch test first to check for any reaction.

 

Shop Fly & Insect Protection at The Vet Shed

Keep your horse comfortable all season with proven horse fly repellents, fly masks, fly rugs, Queensland Itch solutions, and tick control. Have questions about what to choose? Our friendly team is here to help.