10 Best Fly Repellents 2025 in the United States

The Sawyer Products SP874 Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray is a strong contender in the fly-repellent category. The active ingredient, 20% Picaridin, is highly effective at keeping flies at bay for up to 8 hours, making it suitable for extended outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backyard gatherings. Additionally, it offers up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, which is impressive for an insect repellent.

One of its major strengths is that it's fragrance-free, non-greasy, and dries quickly, ensuring a comfortable experience without causing damage to clothing or gear. This is a significant advantage for people who are sensitive to scents or don't want their outdoor equipment affected. The spray is also safe for use on the entire family, which adds to its versatility.

While it is effective and user-friendly, the product's environmental impact isn't highlighted, which might be a concern for eco-conscious users. Some users may find the need for reapplication after 8 hours for fly protection to be a slight inconvenience. The Sawyer Products SP874 is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable, long-lasting protection from various insects during outdoor activities.

Farnam Repel-X Ready-To-Use Fly Spray is a versatile insecticide and repellent designed mainly for horses and dogs, but also usable around barns and fabric items. Its active ingredient is permethrin, a common chemical effective against flies, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other biting insects. This spray kills and repels multiple pests, which makes it practical for farm or stable use. The water-based formulation means it’s non-oily and ready to use without any mixing, making application easy with the included trigger sprayer or by wiping on. It has a pleasant scent, which is a nice bonus since some repellents can be strong or unpleasant-smelling. Safety-wise, it’s suitable for animals over one month old but should not be used on very young foals, and care must be taken to avoid eyes and sensitive areas. Since it contains permethrin, it’s important to follow directions closely because this chemical can be toxic to cats and some wildlife.

The product provides a decent duration of protection, though repeat applications are recommended for continuous effectiveness. It is budget-friendly, especially if buying concentrated refills, making it appealing for users managing large animals or barns. Those seeking a natural or chemical-free option might want to consider alternatives, as this is a synthetic insecticide. Farnam Repel-X is a reliable, easy-to-use fly repellent that works well for horse and dog owners who need a multi-purpose insect killer and repellent with manageable safety guidelines.

The Absorbine UltraShield EX 32oz Sprayer Insecticide is a robust fly-repellent suitable for use on horses, dogs, and premises. One of its main strengths is its ability to kill and repel over 70 species of pests, including flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. The formulation is water-based and ready-to-use, eliminating the need for mixing, which can be a real time-saver.

Its UltraBond Technology provides weatherproof protection for up to 17 days, making it highly durable. Additionally, the product includes sunscreens and coat conditioners, which is an added benefit when used on animals exposed to the sun. Its made-in-the-USA tag assures a level of quality and compliance with safety standards.

While it offers extended protection, the scent might be a point of contention for some, as insecticides often have strong odors. Users looking for a strong, long-lasting insecticide with added protection features for their animals and premises may find this product meets their needs well.