How do you make horse fly spray with Avon Skin So Soft?

Many horse owners turn to DIY solutions to protect their animals from pests, and a popular folk remedy is learning How do you make horse fly spray with Avon Skin So Soft? Discover how to mix this budget-friendly option and what to consider before you apply it.

Quick Summary

You can make a homemade fly spray for horses by mixing Avon Skin So Soft with white vinegar, water, and optionally, essential oils like citronella or eucalyptus, shaking the solution well before each application for a budget-friendly remedy.

Key Points

• Classic Recipe: A common formula involves mixing Avon Skin So Soft, white vinegar, water, and optional essential oils like eucalyptus or citronella in a spray bottle.

• Shake Before Use: Since the oil and water components naturally separate, it is critical to shake the mixture vigorously before each application to ensure it is evenly distributed.

• How it Works: The spray functions by creating an oily barrier on the coat and masking the horse's scent, rather than relying on registered insecticidal chemicals.

• Patch Test is Crucial: Always test a small area of your horse's skin for any adverse reaction before applying the spray all over, as some animals have sensitive skin.

• Limited Effectiveness: Homemade remedies typically provide shorter, less reliable protection than EPA-registered commercial fly sprays, which have proven efficacy.

• Consider Safety: Avoid spraying the mixture directly on the face, eyes, or open wounds, and be aware of potential sunburn risk due to the oil in the solution.

The Classic Recipe for Avon Skin So Soft Fly Spray

The most common method for creating a homemade fly repellent involves a few simple ingredients and a reusable spray bottle. While recipes can vary, a classic formula serves as a reliable starting point. This recipe provides a basic blend that relies on the oiliness of the Skin So Soft to help the mixture adhere to the horse's coat, while the vinegar and essential oils contribute to the repellent effect.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Avon Skin So Soft Original Bath Oil
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon eucalyptus oil or citronella oil (optional, but recommended)

Instructions

1. Gather Your Supplies: Ensure you have a clean, empty spray bottle with a trigger sprayer that functions properly. A funnel can help prevent spills when mixing.
2. Combine Liquids: Pour the Avon Skin So Soft, white vinegar, and water into the spray bottle. These three components form the base of the repellent.
3. Add Essential Oils: If you are including eucalyptus or citronella oil, add it to the mixture. These oils are believed to enhance the repellent properties. While adding essential oils can improve efficacy, be sure to use high-quality, pure oils.
4. Shake Thoroughly: Screw the lid on tightly and shake the bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds to ensure the oil-based ingredients are well dispersed throughout the water and vinegar. Because oil and water naturally separate, it is crucial to shake the bottle before every single use to get an even application.
5. Apply to Horse: Spray a light, even mist over your horse's coat, focusing on areas where flies tend to congregate, such as the legs, belly, and neck. Avoid spraying directly on the horse's face; instead, spray the solution onto a cloth and wipe the sensitive areas.

How Avon's Skin So Soft Works (and Its Limitations)

The effectiveness of Avon's Skin So Soft in homemade fly spray is often debated among horse owners. Its mechanism is not based on powerful chemical repellents like those found in commercial sprays. Instead, it functions primarily in two ways:

• Physical Barrier: The oily residue left by the bath oil can create a thin, greasy barrier on the horse's coat, making it difficult for some insects to land and bite.
• Scent Masking: The fragrance of the bath oil and the added essential oils may help mask the natural scents of the horse that attract flies. The strong scent of vinegar also contributes to this masking effect.

However, it's important to be aware of the limitations of this homemade remedy. Unlike EPA-registered commercial fly sprays that have been tested and proven for their efficacy and duration, the homemade Skin So Soft spray offers much shorter-lived protection and varying results. For serious fly problems or during peak fly season, relying solely on this mixture may not provide adequate relief for your horse.

Important Safety Precautions

Before applying any homemade remedy to your horse, consider these safety measures:

• Perform a Patch Test: Always test a small, discreet area of your horse's skin first to check for an adverse reaction, as some horses have sensitive skin and could develop irritation or a burn-like sensation from the ingredients.
• Avoid Sensitive Areas: Never spray the mixture directly into your horse's eyes, nostrils, or open wounds. Use a cloth for facial application.
• Be Mindful of Sun Exposure: The oily nature of Skin So Soft could potentially increase the risk of sunburn, especially on horses with light-colored coats or pink skin. Use caution and monitor your horse for any signs of skin damage.
• Consult Your Veterinarian: If your horse has pre-existing skin conditions or allergies, it's best to consult with a veterinarian before trying any new topical treatment.

Homemade vs. Commercial Fly Spray Comparison

Feature	Homemade Avon Skin So Soft Spray	Commercial EPA-Registered Sprays
Cost	Generally more affordable to make in large batches.	Can be expensive, especially for products with strong repellents.
Effectiveness	Varies widely; often provides short-term, mild relief.	Tested and proven for specific insects; offers more reliable and longer-lasting protection.
Ingredients	Simple household items; potential for natural ingredients like essential oils.	Contains active chemical ingredients like permethrin, pyrethrin, or picaridin.
Safety & Testing	Lacks formal testing; requires patch testing due to unknown reactions.	Ingredients are EPA-regulated and tested for safety when used as directed.
Application	Requires frequent reapplication due to shorter-term effect.	Provides longer-lasting protection, reducing the need for constant reapplication.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

When it comes to protecting your horse from annoying and potentially harmful flies, the homemade Avon Skin So Soft spray can be a low-cost, low-chemical alternative. However, its effectiveness is often limited and its duration short, especially when compared to professionally formulated commercial products. For mild fly infestations or as a supplementary repellent, it can serve its purpose, provided you take necessary safety precautions like patch testing and avoiding sensitive areas.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your specific needs, the severity of the fly problem, and your horse's individual sensitivities. For reliable, long-lasting protection against serious insect-borne risks, EPA-approved commercial products are the superior choice. If you prefer the DIY route, using the Skin So Soft recipe with caution can be an acceptable option.

For more information on horse health and proper care, visit authoritative resources such as The American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is using Avon Skin So Soft on horses safe?

Yes, it is generally considered safe for healthy horses when applied externally, but it's important to perform a patch test first. Some horses with sensitive skin may experience irritation. Always consult a veterinarian for advice specific to your horse, especially if they have pre-existing skin conditions.

Does the homemade Avon fly spray really work?

The effectiveness is varied and typically short-lived. It works primarily by masking scents and creating an oily barrier, which may deter some flies temporarily. For serious or persistent fly problems, it is unlikely to provide the same level of protection as a commercial product.

What kind of Avon Skin So Soft should I use?

The recipe traditionally calls for the Original Bath Oil version of Avon Skin So Soft. The oily nature of this product is what helps the mixture adhere to the horse's coat.

How often should I apply the homemade fly spray?

Due to its shorter-term efficacy, you may need to reapply the homemade spray more frequently than a commercial product. For best results, reapply every few hours or whenever you notice flies becoming a nuisance again.

Can I use other essential oils in the mixture?

Yes, many horse owners experiment with different essential oils. Options like lavender, lemongrass, or cedarwood are often added. Always use caution, research the specific oil's properties and safety for horses, and perform a patch test.

Is homemade fly spray more effective than store-bought?

No, homemade fly spray is generally not more effective. Commercial, EPA-registered sprays contain active ingredients specifically designed and tested to repel or kill insects, providing more reliable and longer-lasting protection.

What is a good alternative to Avon Skin So Soft for a DIY fly spray?

Alternatives to the Avon product for homemade fly spray bases include mineral oil or simple combinations of vinegar and water with dish soap. Some people also use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.