10 Best Fly Repellents 2025 in the United States

Raid Flying Insect Killer 7 is a spray designed to quickly kill flying insects like flies, mosquitoes, wasps, and hornets both indoors and outdoors. It uses active ingredients d-Phenothrin and prallethrin, which are common insecticides that act fast on contact. Its spray formulation makes it easy to apply directly onto insects, though you should keep it a few feet away from walls and fabrics to avoid stains or damage. The product offers immediate knockdown rather than long-lasting protection, so you might need repeated use in problem areas. One nice feature is its pleasant 'Outdoor Fresh' scent, which is less harsh than typical insecticide odors.

On the safety side, it contains petroleum distillates and sodium nitrite, meaning it should be used carefully to avoid skin irritation and kept away from children and pets. While effective, this spray isn’t designed as a personal repellent but rather for treating spaces and surfaces. Regarding environmental impact, it contains chemicals that can be toxic to beneficial insects and aquatic life, so use with caution and follow disposal instructions. This product is best suited for people looking for a quick and easy way to eliminate flying bugs around their home and yard but may not be ideal if you want long-term prevention or a natural option.

The Sawyer Products SP874 Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray is a strong contender in the fly-repellent category. The active ingredient, 20% Picaridin, is highly effective at keeping flies at bay for up to 8 hours, making it suitable for extended outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backyard gatherings. Additionally, it offers up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, which is impressive for an insect repellent.

One of its major strengths is that it's fragrance-free, non-greasy, and dries quickly, ensuring a comfortable experience without causing damage to clothing or gear. This is a significant advantage for people who are sensitive to scents or don't want their outdoor equipment affected. The spray is also safe for use on the entire family, which adds to its versatility.

While it is effective and user-friendly, the product's environmental impact isn't highlighted, which might be a concern for eco-conscious users. Some users may find the need for reapplication after 8 hours for fly protection to be a slight inconvenience. The Sawyer Products SP874 is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable, long-lasting protection from various insects during outdoor activities.

Farnam Repel-X Ready-To-Use Fly Spray is a versatile insecticide and repellent designed mainly for horses and dogs, but also usable around barns and fabric items. Its active ingredient is permethrin, a common chemical effective against flies, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other biting insects. This spray kills and repels multiple pests, which makes it practical for farm or stable use. The water-based formulation means it’s non-oily and ready to use without any mixing, making application easy with the included trigger sprayer or by wiping on. It has a pleasant scent, which is a nice bonus since some repellents can be strong or unpleasant-smelling. Safety-wise, it’s suitable for animals over one month old but should not be used on very young foals, and care must be taken to avoid eyes and sensitive areas. Since it contains permethrin, it’s important to follow directions closely because this chemical can be toxic to cats and some wildlife.

The product provides a decent duration of protection, though repeat applications are recommended for continuous effectiveness. It is budget-friendly, especially if buying concentrated refills, making it appealing for users managing large animals or barns. Those seeking a natural or chemical-free option might want to consider alternatives, as this is a synthetic insecticide. Farnam Repel-X is a reliable, easy-to-use fly repellent that works well for horse and dog owners who need a multi-purpose insect killer and repellent with manageable safety guidelines.