Product Description
Farnam Bite Free Biting Fly Repellent delivers advanced, long-lasting protection against the most aggressive biting flies that threaten horse comfort and health. This ready-to-use, water-based formula combines cypermethrin, pyrethrins, and a patented binding conditioner that locks active ingredients to the hair shaft for up to 14 days of continuous protection. Unlike standard fly sprays that wash away with sweat or rain, Bite Free's unique conditioning technology creates a durable barrier that withstands moisture while providing residual control that builds with each application. The formula protects against biting stable flies, horn flies, horse flies, deer flies, house flies, face flies, gnats, and mosquitoes, while also killing and repelling deer ticks that may transmit Lyme disease. Enhanced with sunscreen to prevent UV damage and coat bleaching, this water-based spray is gentle on sensitive-skinned horses yet tough on insects. Apply every 5-7 days initially; as protection builds, extend reapplication to 10-14 days for economical, season-long control.
Active Ingredients:
- Cypermethrin: 0.15%
- Pyrethrins: 0.20%
- Piperonyl Butoxide, Technical: 1.60%
- Butoxypolypropylene Glycol: 5.00%
- Other Ingredients (includes patented binding conditioner and sunscreen): 93.05%
Target Pests:
Biting Flies:
- Stable Flies - painful leg biters that feed on blood
- Horn Flies - blood feeders clustering on back and withers
- Horse Flies - large aggressive biters causing significant blood loss
- Deer Flies - persistent daytime biters around head and neck
Nuisance Flies:
- House Flies - disease carriers that irritate horses
- Face Flies - cluster around eyes and muzzle spreading infection
Other Pests:
- Gnats (biting midges, no-see-ums)
- Mosquitoes (including West Nile Virus carriers)
- Lice (biting and sucking species)
- Deer Ticks - kills and repels ticks that transmit Lyme disease
Advanced Binding Technology:
Patented Conditioner System: Bite Free contains a unique patented conditioning agent that chemically binds cypermethrin and pyrethrins to the hair shaft. This technology creates a durable insecticidal coating that resists:
- Sweat: Active ingredients remain effective during exercise and hot weather
- Rain: Light moisture won't wash away protection
- Grooming: Brushing doesn't remove the protective barrier
- Time: Residual activity lasts 5-14 days depending on conditions
Building Protection: With each application, the binding conditioner creates stronger protection. Initial applications provide 5-7 days of control, but as the product builds up on the coat with repeated use, protection extends to 10-14 days between applications.
Key Features:
- Up to 14 Days Protection: Longest-lasting fly control available
- Building Residual: Protection extends with repeated applications
- Sweat-Resistant: Binding technology resists moisture
- Water-Based Formula: Gentle on sensitive skin, non-oily finish
- Contains Sunscreen: Prevents UV damage and coat bleaching
- Dual Application: Spray or wipe-on versatility
- Ready to Use: No mixing or diluting required
- Kills Lyme Disease Ticks: Eliminates dangerous deer ticks
- 32 oz with Trigger Sprayer: Convenient leak-proof bottle
- For Horses & Ponies: Safe for all ages
How It Works:
Dual-Action Insecticide: Cypermethrin (0.15%): A synthetic pyrethroid providing extended residual control. Cypermethrin binds to insect nervous systems, causing paralysis and death. Its slow release from the hair shaft provides continuous protection for days.
Pyrethrins (0.20%): Natural botanical insecticides from chrysanthemum flowers deliver rapid knockdown of flying insects. Provide immediate relief upon application.
Piperonyl Butoxide (1.60%): Synergist that blocks insect metabolic enzymes, dramatically increasing the effectiveness of both cypermethrin and pyrethrins by preventing insects from detoxifying the active ingredients.
Butoxypolypropylene Glycol (5.00%): Spreading agent and carrier that helps distribute active ingredients evenly across the coat and aids in binding to hair shafts.
Sunscreen Protection: UV-blocking compounds prevent sun damage to coat pigmentation, particularly important for dark horses prone to sun bleaching. Maintains coat color and health throughout summer months.
Application Instructions:
Preparation:
- Brush Horse Thoroughly: Remove loose dirt, dust, and debris before application
- For Dirty Horses: Shampoo and rinse thoroughly, allow to dry completely
- Shake Well: Ensure all ingredients are properly mixed
Spray Application (Body):
- Hold bottle 6-12 inches from coat
- Spray entire body while brushing against the lay of hair to ensure product reaches skin
- Cover legs, belly, neck, back, shoulders, and flanks
- Avoid eyes, nose, and mouth
- Apply light, even coating - do not saturate
Wipe Application (Face & Sensitive Areas):
- Always apply to face as a wipe, never spray directly
- Use clean, absorbent cloth, toweling, or sponge
- Wear rubber glove or mitt when applying
- Moisten cloth with Bite Free
- Wipe around eyes, ears, forehead, cheeks, and muzzle
- Apply against hair growth for better coverage
Application Schedule:
Initial Treatment (Weeks 1-2): Apply every 5-7 days. During this period, the binding conditioner is building protection on the hair shaft. You may notice flies land but leave quickly as residual builds.
Maintenance Treatment (Ongoing): After 2-3 applications, extend interval to 10-14 days. The built-up protection provides extended control. Reapply every 10-14 days or as needed based on fly pressure.
Heavy Infestation Periods: During peak fly season (mid-summer), may require more frequent application depending on conditions.
For horses and ponies. Apply every 5-7 days initially, extend to 10-14 days as protection builds. Water-based with sunscreen. Contains cypermethrin 0.15%, pyrethrins 0.20%. Kills and repels deer ticks that may transmit Lyme disease. Always wipe on face, never spray directly. Not for horses intended for human consumption.