NOTE: Horse & Hound has not tested any of the following fly spray recipes and strongly recommends that you do a small patch test on your horse with any homemade fly spray. Readers use these recipes at their own risk. Horse & Hound cannot be held responsible for any allergic or other reactions that result from using these recipes.

Alison Elverson from Nottingham suggests:

• 300ml citronella (available from most pharmacies)
• 25ml lavender oil (also available from most pharmacies)
• 4tbsp vinegar
• 6tbsp Dettol
• 2 cups of cold strong tea
• Pour into a 2 litre plastic pop bottle and top up with water, then decant what you need into a spray bottle when needed

Adrienne Stewart from East Sussex suggests:

• 15ml citronella
• 2tbsp methylated spirit
• 1tbsp washing up liquid
• 4tbsp vinegar
• 1/2 pint strong tea
• Mix together and make up to 2 litres with tap water

Beth Barnett from Hereford suggests:

• 3tbsp citronella
• 4tbsp methylated spirit
• 2tbsp washing up liquid
• 8tbsp malt vinegar
• 2 mugs of strong tea
• 2 litres of water (approx)

Theresa Fryer, by email, suggests:

• 250 ml of Avon Skin So Soft and Fresh bath oil (can be halved if midges are not bad, or your horse does not react to midges)
• 5 caps of dettol
• 1 teaspoon each of lavender, tea tree, citronella, cedar wood and eucalyptus
• Top up to one litre with either water or cold tea
• Spray twice a day and keep shaking regularly to keep the oils mixed

Becky Harris from Cornwall suggests:

• 15ml citronella
• 1tsp washing up liquid
• 4tbsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp methylated spirits
• 1 mug of strong tea
• Top up to 2 litres with cold water

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Ciara from Co Galway suggests:

• 2 pints of stale beer
• 500ml cheap mouthwash
• 5 table spoons of Epsom Salt
• Mix until the salt has dissolved
• Pour into a spray bottle and ‘Bob’s your uncle’!