When to Rotate Fly Sprays for Horses

Match your fly spray to the conditions.

Weather, insect pressure, and your horse's activity level all influence which product will work best on any given day. That's the idea behind Absorbine's UltraShield® lineup. Five distinct formulas are designed to be rotated throughout the season for the most effective protection possible. Here's a breakdown of when to reach for each one.

UltraShield® Gold — When Bugs Are at Their Absolute Worst

When insect pressure is at its peak, UltraShield® Gold is Absorbine's ultimate formula, backed by ten years of research and development. Its proprietary FlyShield® Technology uses a revolutionary combination of six active ingredients that disrupts insects' homing systems, delivering exceptional repellency before they ever bite. It kills and repels over 100 insect species — including those that cause Sweet Itch — and delivers up to 17 days of repellency even in all weather conditions. It's the one to reach for during the most challenging infestations, or for horses who are particularly sensitive to insect bites.

UltraShield® EX — Advanced Protection for Challenging Conditions

UltraShield® EX, known as "The Fly Spray in the Black Bottle®", stays effective for up to 17 days thanks to UltraBond Technology®, and includes sunscreens, aloe, and lanolin to protect and condition the coat. It kills and repels more than 70 insect species and can also be used as a premise spray*, tackling everything from cockroaches and spiders to fire ants and silverfish in barns and stables. It's a strong, everyday option and versatile enough for horses and dogs.

UltraShield® Red — Broad-Spectrum Control for Hot, Dry Conditions

UltraShield® Red's unique combination of five active ingredients provides repellency and protection from biting and nuisance flies, gnats, and mosquitoes for up to seven days. It works on horses, ponies, llamas, alpacas, mules, and donkeys. It's an economical choice, especially well-suited for hot, dry conditions when you need reliable broad-spectrum coverage without the sweat-resistance focus of Sport. Its multi-active formula also helps give coats an oil-free shine.

UltraShield® Sport — For Hard-Working Horses in Heat and Humidity

If your horse sweats through regular fly sprays during warm-weather workouts, this is your formula. UltraShield® Sport is sweat- and weather-resistant, so it keeps working even when the horse sweats and after rainfall. It repels and kills biting flies, nuisance flies, and gnats, and helps repel mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus — all in a water-based formula that won't attract dust. It's the go-to for show days, trail rides, and heavy training sessions in hot, humid weather.

UltraShield® Green — Natural Protection for the Whole Family

For those who prefer to avoid synthetic pesticides, UltraShield® Green uses a natural formula with thyme oil, cedarwood oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil, citronella oil, clove oil, and geraniol. It repels and controls biting flies, mosquitoes, and gnats, and repels ticks on horses, ponies, and dogs. It's safe for use around the whole family and a smart rotational choice when insect pressure is moderate, and you want an eco-safe option.

The Case for Rotating

The fly season is long, and depending on your location and conditions, you're likely battling different species of insects, changing weather, and a range of riding intensity throughout that time. Rotating between formulas addresses changing conditions. Keep a few bottles on hand and let the weather, the bugs, and your horse's workload guide which one you reach for.

*All outdoor premises use must be limited to spot or crack-and-crevice application only.