We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

This concentrated DEET-containing gel from NAF repels flies, horse flies and other insects.

Our reviewer says: “This thick gel comes in a robust rubbery pot with a hinged lid, so there is no chance of putting the lid down and losing it. The lid is easy to open and close. I’ve used a separate cloth to apply the white gel, which turns clear when applied to the horse’s coat. While we are not yet in horsefly season in my area, my horse has not been bothered by other flies while I have been riding after using this fly gel.”

This gel protects against mosquitoes, horseflies, flies and ticks. It has been tested by the Swiss Institute for Tropical Medicine who have guaranteed it to be effective for seven hours, even if the hair becomes wet or sweaty. It comes with a sponge for easy application.

Our reviewer says: “This gel comes in a pot with a separate lid that can be completely removed, with a useful handle making it easy to carry and which also works to secure the sponge provided so it doesn’t get lost in between applications. The sponge is the ideal shape for getting the gel out of the pot without getting it on your hands. The smell of this fly gel is strong and I personally prefer using the gel to the spray version as the doesn’t leave residual liquid in the air, which can be quite unpleasant if you breathe it in accidentally. This fly gel has effectively kept other flies away from my horse while riding, even though it’s not yet horsefly season in my area.”

This natural fly midge and bot deterrent gel repels all species of flies without harsh chemicals. Trusted by many horse owners, this fly repellent gel from Barrier not only deters all flying insects it calms and soothes the effects of bites.

The pleasant-smelling formula contains a blend of concentrated herbal oils, volatile essential oils and pure avocado oil, which is a skin and coat conditioner.

The packaging has changed since we carried out this group test, however the product is still the same.

Our reviewer says: “This fly gel has a more pleasant smell than many of its competitors and, for that reason, it is one of my preferred choices. I’ve used both a sponge and a cloth to apply it and the white gel turns clear when applied to the horse’s coat.

“I did once put it on by hand, but despite washing my hands afterwards, the scent did hang around for quite a while so I’d advise against doing that. The pot has a separate screw on lid, so if you are a bit absent-minded, it is easy to put down and forget where you’ve left it.”

This DEET-based cream from Nettex is readily absorbed, non-greasy and does not dry the skin. It seals the hair and forms a barrier, while also moisturising and conditioning the area.

Our reviewer says: “This white cream is quite thick – much thicker than most of the fly gels I’ve been testing. Its pot has a screw on lid and I’ve found it’s most easily applied using a cloth, rather than a sponge. Once it has been applied thinly, it doesn’t leave any greasy marks on the coat. My horse has not been unduly bothered by flies while I have been riding after using this cream.”

This insect repellent gel is made with natural active ingredients from geranium oil and eucalyptus-citriodora oil. It adheres to the coat for up to four hours and can be used by riders, too. It comes with a sponge, which helps with applying to nervous horses or around the face.

Our reviewer says: “This anti-fly gel comes with a sponge that is the ideal shape for applying it from the pot without using your hands. This gel has a more runny consistency than the Leovet Power Phaser Durativ gel, but it comes in a similar pot with a separate lid that can be completely removed.

“The pot also has a useful handle, which makes it easy to carry and also works to secure the sponge provided so it doesn’t get lost in between applications. While there will always be an element of personal preference when it comes to smells, this one is less chemical in nature and more pleasing on the nose, in my opinion than the Leovet Power Phaser one. The fly gel has been effective in deterring flies from my horse while riding, even outside of horsefly season.”