A strong fly repellent should match where you need protection: on skin outdoors, around the house, or on horses and other animals. For broad fly control on animals and premises, Absorbine UltraShield EX stands out with a listed range of more than 70 insect species and protection claims of up to 17 days. Other options serve narrower needs: OFF!
Clean Feel and Repel 100 are personal-use sprays that list biting flies, while Wondercide is an indoor home spray that specifically lists flies. These products are not interchangeable, so check the label for the intended surface, animal, age limits and application directions before use.
This comparison ranks seven options by how directly their listed facts address flies and the situations they cover.
Absorbine UltraShield EX Insecticide & Repellent is the leading choice for fly control on animals and premises because its listed uses include horses, ponies, dogs, barns and premises, and it claims to kill and repel more than 70 insect species. Its weatherproof protection claim is up to 17 days. For personal skin use, choose a product labeled for people instead: OFF!
Clean Feel lists biting flies and up to eight hours of protection, while Repel 100 also lists biting flies.
Our Top Picks
Best OverallLists flies among 70-plus insect species and covers horses, ponies, dogs, barns and premises, with a weatherproof protection claim of up to 17 days.
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Best for HorsesDesigned for equine fly control in stables, turnout and pastures; its listed target pests include barn flies, gnats, mosquitoes, ticks and lice.
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Best for IndoorsWondercide Indoor Pest Control
A home and kitchen spray that specifically lists flies and fruit flies among the pests it kills and repels indoors.
View on Amazon- Longest Skin Protection Repel 100
- Best Fragrance-Free OFF! Clean Feel
Compare fly repellents by use and protection
| # | Product | Volume | Form | Weight | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1. Absorbine UltraShield EXBest Overall | 32 fluid oz | Liquid | 2.2 lb | View on Amazon |
| 2 | 2. Farnam Repel-X Fly SprayBest for Horses | 32 fluid oz | Liquid | 2.1 lb | View on Amazon |
| 3 | 3. Wondercide Indoor Pest ControlBest for Indoors | — | Spray | — | View on Amazon |
| 4 |  4. Repel 100Longest Skin Protection | 4 fluid oz | Oil | 5.28 oz | View on Amazon |
| 5 |  5. OFF! Clean FeelBest Fragrance-Free | 5 fluid oz | Aerosol | 5 oz | View on Amazon |
| 6 |  6. OFF! BotanicalsPlant-based trail and camping spray | 4 fluid oz | Lotion | 4 oz | View on Amazon |
| 7 |  7. Mighty Mint Peppermint SprayPeppermint-oil household spray | 16 fluid oz | Aerosol | — | View on Amazon |
Detailed Reviews: Best Insect Repellent For Flies
#1 · Best Overall
1. Absorbine UltraShield EX
- Volume: 32 fluid oz
- Form: Liquid
- Weight: 2.2 lb
Best for: Long-lasting horse and barn use.
Why it ranks #1: Lists flies among 70-plus insect species and covers horses, ponies, dogs, barns and premises, with a weatherproof protection claim of up to 17 days.
Up to 17 days of weatherproof protection with UltraBond Technology distinguishes Absorbine UltraShield EX for buyers managing flies around horses and barns. The ready-to-use, water-based 32-ounce sprayer kills and repels more than 70 insect species, including flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and gnats.
The ready-to-use water-based formula requires no mixing, so it can be applied in the listed settings of horses, ponies, dogs, barns, or on-premise use without preparing a separate solution. UltraBond Technology supports the stated weatherproof protection of up to 17 days, a useful interval for challenging conditions. The formula also includes multiple sunscreens and coat conditioners alongside insect protection; users should read the label for precautions regarding people and domestic animals.
- Kills and repels more than 70 insect species
- Weatherproof protection stated for up to 17 days
- Ready-to-use water-based formula requires no mixing
- Includes multiple sunscreens and coat conditioners
- This animal-and-premise spray is not presented as a personal skin repellent.
Skip it if you need a personal spray for skin rather than animal or premise treatment; OFF! Clean Feel Picaridin Insect & Mosquito Repellent is listed for skin use.
Absorbine UltraShield EX fits horse owners and barn users seeking ready-to-use fly control with a long stated protection interval. Its animal and premise focus, plus label-directed precautions, makes it a different choice from personal skin repellents.
Full product details
| Brand | Absorbine |
|---|---|
| Color | Multicolored |
| Included Components | Absorbine UltraShield EX Brand Residual Insecticide and Repellent |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Volume | 32 fluid ounces |
| Item Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Monster Pets |
| Part Number | 687847 |
| Model Number | 20001 |
| Recommended Uses | Fly Control |
| Additional Information | Important information Safety Information Please read back label for full details regarding precautionary statements to humans and domestic animals. Ingredients pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, permethrin, other ingredients not listed Directions Use as directed on label. |
Listed on Amazon as: Absorbine UltraShield EX Insecticide & Repellent, 32 fl oz Sprayer
View on Amazon#2 · Best for Horses
2. Farnam Repel-X Fly Spray
- Volume: 32 fluid oz
- Form: Liquid
- Weight: 2.1 lb
Best for: Ready-to-use equine fly spray.
Why it ranks #2: Designed for equine fly control in stables, turnout and pastures; its listed target pests include barn flies, gnats, mosquitoes, ticks and lice.
A ready-to-use 32-ounce spray for horses, dogs, and livestock gives Farnam Repel-X a practical fit for barn and pasture routines. Its listed targets include barn flies, gnats, mosquitoes, ticks, and lice, with stable, turnout, and pasture use identified for insect management.
The ready-to-use format supports application in stable, turnout, and pasture settings without preparing a diluted mixture for immediate use. Farnam also describes Repel-X as a concentrate that mixes with water, so buyers should follow the specific product label and directions for the selected form and use. Its permethrin-based insect control is listed for common biting pests, including barn flies and mosquitoes, making it an equine-focused option rather than a general household fly spray.
- Suitable for stable, turnout, and pasture environments
- Lists barn flies, gnats, mosquitoes, ticks, and lice
- Ready-to-use spray format
- Identified for horses, dogs, and livestock
- The supplied listing also describes a concentrate that mixes with water, making the use directions important to check.
Skip it if you need an indoor home spray for flies; Wondercide Indoor Pest Control Spray for Home & Kitchen explicitly lists flies and fruit flies.
Farnam Repel-X suits horse and livestock caretakers managing flies and other listed pests around barns, turnout, and pasture. Its animal-care focus and label directions are central considerations for buyers seeking a home or personal repellent.
Full product details
| Brand | Farnam |
|---|---|
| Included Components | Farnam Repel-X Insecticide & Repellent 32 Fl Oz Spray |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Volume | 32 fluid ounces |
| Item Weight | 2.1 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Central Garden & Pet |
| Part Number | 100551184 |
| Model Number | 100551184 |
| Size | 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Warranty Description | Call with comments or questions: 800-234-2269 |
Listed on Amazon as: Farnam Repel-X Fly Spray for Horses, Ready To Use, 32 fl oz Spray
View on Amazon#3 · Best for Indoors
3. Wondercide Indoor Pest Control
- Form: Spray
Best for: Indoor fly and fruit-fly control.
Why it ranks #3: A home and kitchen spray that specifically lists flies and fruit flies among the pests it kills and repels indoors.
A plant-powered indoor spray that explicitly lists both flies and fruit flies gives Wondercide a household-focused role in this roundup. Its 16-ounce bottle is positioned as both a preventative and a treatment, combining kill-and-repel claims for flying, crawling, biting, and stinging indoor pests.
The included bottle and sprayer provide a ready-to-use format for indoor pest control, while the preventative-and-treatment positioning supports both responding to pests and using the spray to help keep a home protected. Flies and fruit flies are specifically included among its listed targets, alongside ants, roaches, and mosquitoes. The label says it is safe around people and pets when used as directed, but warns that wet surfaces may be slippery.
- Specifically lists flies and fruit flies
- Positioned as both preventative and treatment
- Plant-powered indoor pest-control spray
- Safe around people and pets when used as directed
- Not for use on plants or in aquatic environments.
Skip it if you need a personal repellent for outdoor biting flies; OFF! Clean Feel Picaridin Insect & Mosquito Repellent is listed for skin application.
Wondercide suits households seeking an indoor spray that names flies and fruit flies and can serve as prevention or treatment. Keep its indoor-use boundary in mind: the label excludes plants and aquatic environments and warns about slippery wet surfaces.
Full product details
| Brand | Wondercide |
|---|---|
| Included Components | Bottle, Sprayer |
| Item Form | Spray |
| Manufacturer | Wondercide |
| Model Number | IPC016L |
Listed on Amazon as: Wondercide – Indoor Pest Control Spray for Home & Kitchen Lemongrass 16 oz
View on Amazon#4 · Longest Skin Protection
4. Repel 100
- Volume: 4 fluid oz
- Form: Oil
- Weight: 5.28 oz
Best for: Biting-fly outdoor protection.
Why it ranks #4: A personal-use pump spray listing biting flies and protection for up to 10 hours; it contains 98.11% DEET.
A 98.11% DEET formula that lists biting flies among its targets makes Repel 100 a personal repellent option for challenging outdoor insect conditions. The four-ounce pump spray also targets mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, chiggers, and fleas, with protection stated to last up to 10 hours.
Repel identifies biting flies and gnats among the pests it repels, making the formula relevant when those insects accompany outdoor activity. Its up-to-10-hour protection can reduce the need for frequent reapplication during an outing, while the four-ounce pump format is described as convenient to store with adventure gear. The very high DEET concentration is intended for severe insect conditions; users should follow the product label directions and precautions for application.
- Lists biting flies among repelled insects
- 98.11% DEET formula for severe insect conditions
- Protection stated for up to 10 hours
- Four-ounce pump spray for on-the-go use
- The formula contains 98.11% DEET, which may not suit buyers seeking a DEET-free option.
Skip it if you want a DEET-free, fragrance-free skin spray; OFF! Clean Feel Picaridin Insect & Mosquito Repellent is listed as DEET-free and fragrance-free.
Repel 100 suits outdoor users facing biting flies alongside mosquitoes, ticks, and other listed pests, especially when long protection matters. Its 98.11% DEET formula is a meaningful boundary for anyone seeking a DEET-free repellent.
Full product details
| Brand | Repel |
|---|---|
| Included Components | Pack of 1 Repel HG-94108 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Fluid Ounce |
| Item Form | Oil |
| Item Volume | 4 fluid ounces |
| Item Weight | 5.28 ounces |
| Manufacturer | United Industries |
| Part Number | 94108 |
| Material Features | Will not damage Cotton, Wool, Nylon |
| Model Number | HG-94108 |
| Size | 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Warranty Description | Manufacturer's satisfaction guarantee |
Listed on Amazon as: Repel 100 Mosquito & Insect Repellent 4 Oz, 98% DEET
View on Amazon#5 · Best Fragrance-Free
5. OFF! Clean Feel
- Volume: 5 fluid oz
- Form: Aerosol
- Weight: 5 oz
Best for: Fragrance-free skin application.
Why it ranks #5: Lists biting flies among the insects it repels when used as directed and offers fragrance-free, DEET-free protection for up to eight hours.
Fragrance-free, DEET-free picaridin gives OFF! Clean Feel a clear fit for buyers seeking personal protection without added scent. It is listed to repel biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks for up to eight hours, and its aerosol applies quickly while drying without a sticky feel.
The five-ounce aerosol makes application straightforward, while the quick-drying, non-sticky formula addresses comfort after spreading it evenly with hands. Its listed protection against biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks lasts up to eight hours, offering a defined window for outdoor use. The product is for external use, and its label warns against application to children under six months; buyers should follow all label directions and precautions.
- Repels biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks
- Picaridin formula is DEET-free
- Fragrance-free and described as non-sticky
- Protection lasts up to eight hours
- Protection is listed for up to eight hours, shorter than Repel 100's stated 10 hours.
Skip it if you need more than eight hours of listed protection; Repel 100 Mosquito & Insect Repellent states protection for up to 10 hours.
OFF! Clean Feel fits people wanting fragrance-free personal protection against biting flies during everyday outdoor activities. Its eight-hour stated duration and external-use directions are relevant boundaries, including the warning against use on children under six months.
Full product details
| Brand | OFF! |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Aerosol |
| Item Volume | 5 fluid ounces |
| Item Weight | 5 ounces |
| Manufacturer | SC Johnson |
| Part Number | 03762 |
| Material Features | Unscented |
| Model Number | IBRR0646-OFF! |
| Size | 5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
Listed on Amazon as: OFF! Clean Feel Picaridin Insect & Mosquito Repellent Bug Spray, 5 oz
View on Amazon#6
6. OFF! Botanicals
- Volume: 4 fluid oz
- Form: Lotion
- Weight: 4 oz
Best for: Plant-based trail and camping spray.
Why it ranks #6: A personal-use botanical lotion listing protection against black flies, gnats and no-see-ums; its label says not to use on children under three.
A botanically inspired active ingredient and named protection against black flies, gnats, and no-see-ums give OFF! Botanicals a clear outdoor use case. This four-ounce lotion-format repellent is also listed for mosquitoes, making it a portable option for camping, hiking, and running.
The four-ounce bottle is sized for carrying on outdoor outings, and its lotion form differs from aerosol sprays when choosing how to apply a repellent. The botanically inspired active ingredient is chemically synthesized from pine oil extract, and the formula contains no added dyes. Its listed insect targets include black flies, gnats, no-see-ums, and mosquitoes; the safety information says not to use it on children under three and to avoid eye contact.
- Lists protection against black flies, gnats, and no-see-ums
- Also repels mosquitoes
- Botanically inspired active ingredient from pine oil extract
- No added dyes; four-ounce lotion bottle
- Not for use on children under three.
Skip it if you need protection specifically listed for biting flies; Repel 100 Mosquito & Insect Repellent names biting flies among its targets.
OFF! Botanicals suits hikers, campers, and runners seeking a portable lotion for black flies, gnats, no-see-ums, and mosquitoes. Its child-age restriction and eye-contact warning are important boundaries when choosing who will use it.
Full product details
| Brand | OFF! |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Lotion |
| Item Volume | 4 fluid ounces |
| Item Weight | 4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | SCJohnson |
| Part Number | 694971 |
| Material Features | Eco-Friendly |
| Model Number | 694971 |
| Size | 4 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
Listed on Amazon as: OFF! Botanicals Plant-Based Insect & Mosquito Repellent Bug Spray, 4 oz
View on Amazon#7
7. Mighty Mint Peppermint Spray
- Volume: 16 fluid oz
- Form: Aerosol
Best for: Peppermint-oil household spray.
Why it ranks #7: A peppermint pest spray for indoor and outdoor use, but its listed target pests do not specifically include flies and it is not for skin.
Extra-concentrated peppermint oil is the defining feature of Mighty Mint’s 16-ounce spray, giving buyers a plant-based option for indoor and outdoor pest control. Its listed target examples include spiders, ants, and roaches, while the product description also identifies it as an insect repellent rather than a skin-applied spray.
The 16-ounce aerosol format provides a ready-to-use household spray, and the indoor-and-outdoor positioning gives it scope across more than one setting. Its peppermint-oil formula is described as a deterrent for spiders, ants, roaches, and more, but the supplied target list does not specifically name flies. The label information says to keep children and animals away until the product dries and not to apply it to skin, so use is for treated areas, not personal protection.
- Extra-concentrated peppermint-oil formula
- Listed for indoor and outdoor use
- 16-fluid-ounce aerosol format
- Pet- and family-safe when applied as directed
- The listed pest examples do not specifically include flies.
Skip it if you need a repellent specifically listed for biting flies or protection applied to skin; this spray is not for topical use.
Choose Mighty Mint if you want a peppermint-oil household spray for indoor and outdoor pest control and can keep pets and children away until it dries. Its listed examples do not specifically establish fly control or personal protection.
Full product details
| Brand | Mighty Mint |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Aerosol |
| Item Volume | 16 fluid ounces |
| Manufacturer | Pure Origin |
| Part Number | IS16-KIT |
| Material Features | Natural |
| Model Number | 860000087537 |
| Size | 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
Listed on Amazon as: Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Insect Repellent Spray, 16 oz
View on AmazonWhy the application site matters more than the word fly
The intended application site is the key distinction: these products include personal repellents, indoor pest spray and treatments for animals or premises. Absorbine UltraShield EX lists horses, ponies, dogs, barns and premises; Farnam Repel-X is presented for horses and barn or pasture management. By contrast, Repel 100 and OFF!
Clean Feel are personal-use repellents, and OFF! Botanicals is a lotion for outdoor activities.
Wondercide is for indoor surfaces and pest control, not skin. A product that repels flies in one setting is not automatically appropriate in another. Check the complete label before use, especially for animal species, age restrictions, surfaces and application instructions.
Mighty Mint’s safety information explicitly says it is not for topical application to skin, so its peppermint formula should not be treated as a wearable fly repellent.
A long protection claim does not mean the same use pattern
Protection-duration claims cannot be compared as if every product is applied in the same way. Absorbine lists up to 17 days of weatherproof protection, while Repel 100 lists up to 10 hours and OFF! Clean Feel lists up to eight hours.
Those claims refer to products with different intended uses and application instructions: one is an animal and premises insecticide, while the latter two are personal repellents. The supplied details do not establish a shared application rate or conditions for those durations.
Do not use a personal spray on an animal to try to achieve longer barn protection, or apply an animal spray to skin. Follow each product’s own label for how, where and when to apply it, and reapply only as directed. The listed duration is a useful comparison point, not permission to exceed label instructions.
How to Choose a Fly Repellent
Where the spray can be used
Start by matching the product to the surface or subject that needs protection. The list ranges from skin sprays such as Repel 100 and OFF! Clean Feel to Wondercide for indoor pest control and animal or premises products such as Absorbine UltraShield EX.
Farnam Repel-X is specifically positioned for horses, stables, turnout and pastures. These are meaningful differences, not interchangeable formats: Mighty Mint says it is not for topical skin use, while OFF!
Botanicals is a personal-use lotion. Choose a personal repellent for exposed skin, an indoor product for labeled home use, and an animal treatment only for the species and setting on its label. Buyers dealing with barn flies should favor the animal-focused products; people outdoors should choose a skin-labeled option.
How long protection is claimed to last
Compare duration claims only among products intended for the same use. Absorbine UltraShield EX claims weatherproof protection for up to 17 days, Repel 100 lists up to 10 hours, and OFF! Clean Feel lists up to eight hours.
The first is an animal and premises product, while the other two are personal repellents, so the numbers do not establish which works longer in a shared situation. Look for a stated duration when frequent reapplication is a concern, but follow the label rather than extending an interval based on another product’s claim.
For barn or animal use, Absorbine has the longest listed duration in this set. For personal outdoor use, Repel 100 has the longest listed duration among the skin-repellent options with a specific time claim.
Formula and delivery format
Choose a format you can apply correctly in the intended setting, and check the active ingredient and warnings. Repel 100 is a pump spray with 98.11% DEET; OFF! Clean Feel is a fragrance-free, DEET-free aerosol with picaridin; OFF!
Botanicals is a lotion with a botanically inspired active ingredient. Animal products differ too: Absorbine is a ready-to-use liquid, while Farnam’s listing describes a ready-to-use spray but also refers to a concentrate mixed with water, so check its current label for preparation directions.
The formulas are not interchangeable. A person wanting an odorless, non-sticky skin spray may prefer OFF! Clean Feel, while a buyer seeking listed coverage for barn flies may lean toward an animal product labeled for that setting.
Which Fly Repellent Should I Choose?
For broad fly control on animals and premises, choose Absorbine UltraShield EX Insecticide & Repellent: it lists flies among 70-plus insect species and claims up to 17 days of weatherproof protection. For horse-focused barn, turnout or pasture use, consider Farnam Repel-X Fly Spray and follow its label for preparation and application. For indoor flies, Wondercide Indoor Pest Control specifically lists flies and fruit flies.
For personal outdoor use, Repel 100 is the better fit when a listed claim of up to 10 hours matters; OFF! Clean Feel offers fragrance-free, DEET-free biting-fly protection for up to eight hours.
Choose OFF! Botanicals for its listed black-fly coverage in lotion form. Do not use Mighty Mint Peppermint Spray on skin; its label says it is not for topical application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use horse fly spray on people or other pets?
Not unless the product label specifically allows that use. Horse-focused sprays are not automatically appropriate for people or other pets. Check the label for approved animals, application sites, and directions; for personal skin protection, choose a product labeled for people.
Mighty Mint’s label says it is not for topical application.
How often should I reapply a fly repellent?
Follow the product label, because reapplication guidance depends on the product and its intended use. The listed claims here vary: Absorbine UltraShield EX claims up to 17 days of weatherproof protection, Repel 100 lists up to 10 hours, and OFF! Clean Feel lists up to eight hours.
What should I do if a fly spray gets on skin, eyes or household surfaces?
Follow the product label’s first-aid and cleanup directions. If spray gets on skin, eyes, or a household surface, check that label for the appropriate response and any restrictions on use. If irritation occurs or you are unsure what to do, seek guidance from a qualified medical professional.
Which option should I choose for personal outdoor use?
Choose a product labeled for people. Repel 100 lists biting flies and claims up to 10 hours of protection; OFF! Clean Feel lists biting flies and up to eight hours, and is fragrance-free and DEET-free.
OFF! Botanicals is a lotion option with listed black-fly coverage.
Which product is specifically listed for indoor flies?
Wondercide Indoor Pest Control specifically lists flies and fruit flies, making it the clearest fit among these options for indoor fly control. Use it according to its label for the home and kitchen; do not assume that a product intended for premises or animals is suitable for indoor household use.
Final Words
For broad fly control on animals and premises, Absorbine UltraShield EX is the leading choice in this roundup: its listed uses include horses, ponies, dogs, barns, and premises, with a claim of weatherproof protection up to 17 days. Choose a product labeled for people for personal use, and follow its directions. For indoor flies, consider Wondercide; for horse-focused use, consider Repel-X and follow its preparation and application label.
