Fly season in the UK can be relentless, especially in warmer, wetter areas where midges, horseflies and stable flies thrive. Choosing the right repellent often comes down to balancing strength, ingredients, sensitivity, and how long the protection lasts.

Here’s a clear, practical comparison of four commonly used products:

• NAF Citronella Spray
• NAF DEET Fly Spray (also sold as NAF Off DEET Power)
• Carr & Day & Martin Extra Strength Insect Spray
• NAF Extra Effect Fly Spray

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🌿 Overview: Natural vs chemical fly protection

In general, UK fly sprays fall into two categories:

• Natural-based repellents (citronella, eucalyptus oils) → gentler, often better for sensitive horses, but usually need more frequent reapplication
• DEET-based repellents → stronger, longer-lasting, better for heavy fly pressure but more “chemical” in approach

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🟡 NAF Citronella Spray

NAF Citronella Spray

This is one of the gentler options in the NAF range, using citronella-based fragrance and plant oils.

Best for:

• Light to moderate fly conditions
• Horses sensitive to strong chemical sprays
• Everyday yard use in milder weather

Pros:

• Pleasant smell compared to stronger sprays
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Good for routine summer protection

Cons:

• Needs frequent reapplication
• Less effective in heavy horsefly/midge pressure

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🔵 NAF DEET Fly Spray

NAF DEET Fly Spray

A stronger, DEET-based formula designed for high insect pressure.

Best for:

• Horses in heavily infested areas
• Horseflies, midges, and persistent biting insects
• Long turnout or competition days

Pros:

• Strong, long-lasting protection
• Proven DEET repellent action
• Good all-round “heavy duty” option

Cons:

• Stronger smell
• Not preferred for horses with very sensitive skin or owners wanting natural-only products

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🟠 Carr & Day & Martin Extra Strength Insect Spray

Carr & Day & Martin Extra Strength Insect Spray

A well-known DEET-based competitor to NAF’s stronger fly sprays, designed for broad-spectrum insect protection.

Best for:

• All-round yard use
• Horses needing consistent, reliable protection
• Riders wanting a trusted, established brand

Pros:

• Strong DEET protection against biting insects
• Good spray coverage and ease of application
• Reliable in mixed fly conditions

Cons:

• Protection may not last as long in extreme fly pressure
• Chemical-based smell (typical of DEET products)

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🌿 NAF Extra Effect Fly Spray

NAF Extra Effect Fly Spray

A mid-strength natural-style repellent positioned between citronella and DEET products.

Best for:

• Horses needing more than citronella but less than DEET
• Everyday summer use
• Mixed fly environments

Pros:

• Stronger than citronella-based sprays
• More natural formulation feel than DEET sprays
• Good balance for general use

Cons:

• Not as powerful as DEET-based options in peak fly season
• May still require reapplication during hot spells

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⚖️ Side-by-side comparison

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🐴 Which one should you choose?

• If your horse is sensitive or you prefer natural products → go for NAF Citronella Spray
• If you’re dealing with serious horseflies or midges → choose NAF DEET Fly Spray
• If you want a trusted strong all-rounder → Carr & Day & Martin Extra Strength Insect Spray
• If you want a middle ground option → NAF Extra Effect Fly Spray

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🧠 Final thoughts

In UK conditions, most horse owners end up using a rotation approach:

• Citronella or Extra Effect for everyday use
• DEET sprays for peak summer or high-pressure days

No fly spray is truly “one and done” in heavy UK fly season, so combining products with fly rugs, stable hygiene, and turnout timing usually gives the best results.