Insecticides vs. Repellents - What to Use and What is Safe?

• Product Review, Tips and Tricks
• May 17, 2019

Q. Are insecticide and repellent sprays the same?

A.  The short answer is – no.  The main difference between the two is the end result.  Insecticides kill and eliminate the bugs, while repellents are designed to chase them away, allowing them to return later when the spray has worn off.  Both have their appropriate uses. Repellents are best when turning out or trail riding, and are an excellent choice at horse shows when you don’t have the advantage of an overhead system. They are meant to chase away the biting bugs and will usually last a few hours before needing to be reapplied.  Insecticides are used to kill or eliminate the bugs and they are administered as a contact spray. This means that when insects land on the walls or the horse that have been misted with the spray, they too will come in contact with the insecticide and fly off to die.  Insecticides are dispensed from an overhead system programmed to mist when the bugs will be most active in the stalls.  It needs to mist long enough to cover the width of the stall and reach the ground, usually between 40 and 60 seconds.  The residual effect can be 2-6 hours, depending on which insecticide you use and its exposure to UV light.

Q.  When should I use a spray-on repellent?

A.  A spray-on repellent is great for turning out, while riding, or at shows where you might not have an overhead system available.  Some have insecticidal properties, but most are meant to keep the flies off you and the horse.  Many now are made with essential oils.  When spraying any repellent from a bottle, do not spray towards the face.  This could cause eye damage or problems with the nose and mouth.  The best way to apply these to the face area is by spraying on your hand or a rag and then applying to ears and face.  Shoo-Fly Naturally is also a great option to use when riding to keep the bugs at bay.

Q. What is the advantage of an Overhead Misting System?

A. Having a system that automatically dispenses a diluted insecticide that kills all kinds of insects has a number of advantages like:

• Hands free - An automatic timer can be set to your schedule.
• Saves you time and money over the long term
• Keeps your horses happy and relaxed
• Keeps down any germs, infections and bacteria that can be spread thru flies and other insect.
• When mixed in accordance with the instructions, it is safe and biodegradable

Q.  Does “natural” always mean “safe?"

A. Natural is a term that is often misunderstood.  Just because it comes from a plant, doesn’t mean that it is safe for everything.  Essential oils are a prime example.  They are great, in that they are not toxic when in contact with the skin.  However, not all essential oils are food grade or organic.   They are never for use in overhead misting systems.  Most oils that are used as a repellent are not meant to be ingested or sprayed into eyes, nose or mouth.

Q.  What is the difference between Pyrethrin & Pyrethroid?

A.Pyrethrin is an insecticide that come from chrysanthemums.  It is the active ingredient in Shoo-Fly Concentrate I. Pyrethroids are man-made. Permethrin is a common pyrethroid used in dog flea/tick products and human lice products.  It is also the active ingredient in Shoo-Fly Livestock & Poultry.   Both Shoo-Fly products are approved for use over animals that are intended for food, when mixed according to the instructions.  This means that from horses to chickens to show stock, you can use any of our Shoo-Fly insecticides safely in your barns.

Q.  Are all Permethrin products safe?

A.  No.  The inert ingredients can be toxic and are not always biodegradable.  The label will say how it is meant to be used.  For example, some people have purchased insecticide from online sites that market all kinds of insecticides. Two products that contained Permetherin were listed as a termiticide with strict warnings on use – and not meant to be sprayed from overhead!  Some products are not formulated to be sprayed on people or animals, as they are for space spraying only.  Also some can have a more oily base that will gum up or damage your pump and nozzles.  Be sure to read labels and ONLY use sprays that are recommended by the companies that make the systems.  We have worked hard to make sure that you and your animals are safe and happy. Any use of insecticides not in accordance with the label can leave you open for a lawsuit.

Q.  Can I fog my barn?

A. Yes - but you will only want to do it when all the animals are out of the barn.  You don’t ever want to fog a barn with people or horses in the barn.

Q. What sets Shoo-Fly Insecticides apart?

A. We set out 40 years ago to have a system and products that are safe, biodegradable and effective.  Our insecticides were tested before we ever put our name on them.  We spray thousands of horses and other livestock daily across the country.   We stand behind our products and you will always be able to talk to a person to get answers to your questions.

Are you ready to be a #ShooFlyZone!  Contact us today!  1-352-351-5858