🪰 Choosing a Fly Spray: What You Really Need to Know

Not All “Natural” Fly Sprays Are Created Equal

At The Gilded Paddock, when we say 100% natural, we mean every single ingredient is natural — not just a few sprinkled in for marketing.

We offer two carefully formulated options:

Normal Fly Spray: Packed with natural, effective ingredients like Lemongrass and Neem Oil.
Sensitive Fly Spray: Made for horses prone to allergies or skin irritation — no Lemongrass or Neem Oil, but still completely natural and effective.

🧪 Check our product page for full ingredient lists on both.

🚫 What’s Really in “Other” Fly Sprays?

Just because a label says “natural” or “pesticide-free” doesn’t mean it is. Many still contain synthetic chemicals or EPA-registered pesticides.

📌 Pro tip:
Look for an EPA Est. or EPA Registration # on the label — that’s a red flag that your spray contains regulated pesticides.

🔍 Common Red Flags in “Natural” Sprays

Here are just a few ingredients we don’t use — and why:

Ingredient	Why We Say No
DMDM Hydantoin	Releases formaldehyde — a known carcinogen.
Sodium Acrylate Crosspolymer	Synthetic; can cause skin irritation.
Propylene Glycol	Petroleum-derived; also found in antifreeze.
Pemulen TR-2	Synthetic emulsifier; no place in grooming.
Tetrasodium EDTA	Enhances skin absorption — not a good thing.
Methylparaben	Hormone disruptor; linked to fertility issues.
Polysorbate 20/80	May be contaminated with carcinogens.
Oleth-10	Contains PEGs, possible 1,4-dioxane impurity.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)	Sulfate we avoid due to harshness.
Octanoic & Nonanoic & Decanoic Acids	Known skin, LUNG and eye irritants. Harmful to aquatic life, and TOXIC.
Isopropyl Myristate	Increases skin penetration of other chemicals.
"Other Ingredients"	Usually a mystery mix — often synthetic.
Defoamers	Unspecified synthetic agents.

One brand says their ingredients are natural, listed as Octanoic, Nonanoic & Decanoic Acids. But they must register with the EPA and are not exempt. Here is why:

🔍 Why Ecovet is EPA Registered (not EPA 25(b) Exempt)

Although Ecovet uses ingredients that sound natural, some of its active components can still pose health risks at certain concentrations or when inhaled — especially in aerosolized forms.

Specifically:

Octanoic acid (caprylic acid) and nonanoic acid (pelargonic acid) can irritate the lungs and eyes when inhaled, particularly in fine mist or vapor form.

Ecovet is not water-based; it's carried in a volatile base (like silicone or fragrance oil), which makes the actives linger in the air — increasing the risk of inhalation.

Because of these factors:

The product must be EPA-registered rather than exempt under 25(b), which is reserved for low-toxicity, minimal-risk pesticides with very limited exposure hazards.

🛑 Want the full scoop? Visit our NO LIST for more.

💛 Choose Better, For Your Horse

Like all our other products, The Gilded Paddock Fly Sprays are crafted with care, transparency, and truly natural ingredients.