Does the sight of a horse fly make you cringe? You know the one – buzzing annoyingly, landing with a painful bite that makes your beloved horse twitch and stomp. Those persistent pests can ruin a peaceful afternoon in the pasture. It’s frustrating trying to find a trap that actually works against these determined biters.
Choosing the right horse fly trap can feel like a guessing game. Some traps seem promising but end up catching very little, leaving you still swatting away insects. Others are complicated to set up or require constant, messy maintenance. You just want a simple solution that keeps your animals comfortable and your outdoor spaces enjoyable.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best types of horse fly traps available today. You will learn what features truly matter for effective fly control. By the end of this post, you will have the knowledge to select a trap that significantly reduces the horse fly population around your property.
Top Horse Fly Trap Recommendations
- Easy Fly Control – This disposable outdoor hanging fly trap gets rid of common flies, including hundreds of the most prevalent species. Once the trap is full, simply discard—no mess!
- Fast Acting — This trap uses an attractant bait that flies can’t resist. Lured by the scent, flies enter the trap through the cap and drown in the water.
- Easy to Use — Follow the easy directions on the bag to expose the trap entrance. Add water to activate bait and hang the trap outside, at least 20 feet away from any living spaces.
- Outdoor Use Only – Once activated, these traps have a strong odor. Only use this trap outdoors, and at least 20 feet away from any living areas.
- Made in the USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design and manufacture the safest and most effective pest control solutions available. We proudly manufacture our products in the USA!
- For Big Fly Problems — Catch and kill up to 40,000 flies with the Big Bag Fly Trap. Perfect for outdoor areas, barns, stables, and yards where you need serious fly control.
- Fast Acting — This trap uses an attractant bait that flies can’t resist. Lured by the scent, flies enter the trap through the cap and drown in the water.
- Easy to Use — Follow the easy directions on the bag to expose the trap entrance. Add water to activate bait and hang the trap outside, at least 20 feet away from any living spaces.
- Outdoor Use Only – Once activated, these traps have a strong odor. Only use this trap outdoors, and at least 20 feet away from any living areas.
- Made in the USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design and manufacture the safest and most effective pest control solutions available. We proudly manufacture our products in the USA!
- Eliminate Flies — This reusable fly trap catches and kills hundreds of common fly species, including house flies, stable flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, horse flies, and many more.
- Fast Results — Instead of chemicals or sprays, this trap lures flies with food-based attractant. Once inside, flies drown in the water added to the trap.
- Reusable — Reduce plastic waste by reusing this trap season after season! Simply dump the contents when full, rinse, and replace the used attractant with a refill packet to reuse this trap again and again.
- Outdoor Use Only – Once activated, these traps have a strong odor. Only use this trap outdoors, and at least 20 feet away from any living areas.
- Made in the USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design and manufacture the safest and most effective pest control solutions available. We proudly manufacture our products in the USA!
- Easy Fly Control – This disposable outdoor hanging fly trap gets rid of common flies, including hundreds of the most prevalent species. Once the trap is full, simply discard—no mess!
- Fast Acting — This trap uses an attractant bait that flies can’t resist. Lured by the scent, flies enter the trap through the cap and drown in the water.
- Easy to Use — Follow the easy directions on the bag to expose the trap entrance. Add water to activate bait and hang the trap outside, at least 20 feet away from any living spaces.
- Outdoor Use Only – Once activated, these traps have a strong odor. Only use this trap outdoors, and at least 20 feet away from any living areas.
- Made in the USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design and manufacture the safest and most effective pest control solutions available. We proudly manufacture our products in the USA!
- ERADICATE FLIES IN ANY ENVIRONMENT | Highly Effective Pre-Baited Trap Catches House Flies, Filth Flies, Horse Flies, Drain Flies, Deer Flies & Other Common Species Wherever They Cluster | Just Fill with Water, Pop the Top & Hang in a Sunny Spot to Attract Thousands of Pests to Their Doom!
- SAFE, NON-TOXIC, ALL-NATURAL LURE | Fast-Acting Formula is Free from Harsh Chemicals, Pesticides & Noxious Fumes, So You Can Use Around People, Pets, Farm Animals, Plants & Outdoor Living Areas | Long-Lasting 30-Gram Bait Fully Activates in 48 Hours Once You Add Warm Water
- DURABLE BOTTLE WITHSTANDS THE ELEMENTS | Heavy-Duty Design Lets You Set Up Fly Killer Outside Near Garden, Patio, Deck, Horse Stall, Dumpster or Garbage Area Without Worrying About Rain & Other Threats | For Best Results, Hang 5-10 Feet Above Ground in a Place Protected from Wind
- TOSS IN TRASH OR RELOAD WHEN FULL | Skip the Sticky Ribbons, Loud Electric Zappers & Messy Reusable Fly Catchers! Our Disposable Pest Control Bottle Sets Up in Seconds, Keeps Your Inhabited Spaces Clean & Can Be Reused if Desired by Emptying & Reloading with Fresh Bait
- USE IN BACKYARD, BARN & BEYOND | Target a Wide Area Up to 30 Feet or More for Enhanced Comfort Whether You’re Hosting a Party, Working Outdoors, Camping, Gardening, Swimming & More | Black & Decker Fly Traps are Also Ideal for Garage, Work Site, Chicken Coop, Dock & Porch
- Starter Kit Includes: (2) Bug Ball trap, (2) inflation needle, (1) Catch EM' brush-on sticky coating
- Coverage Per Acre: Takes 2-3 Bug Balls to effectively cover 1 acre and eliminate black flies, yellow flies, greenhead flies, and more flying and biting insects
- Sticky Coating: Bug Trap is designed to work with Catch EM’ sticky coating (included); Catch EM’ is an odorless bug killer with zero pesticides or electricity needed to kill those irritating biting insects; Safe to use around children and pets
- Ball Traps Work Great For: Greenhouses, pool areas, backyards, gardens, animal stables or shelters, orchards, barns, cabins, and many more places with it's heavy-duty, weather resistant PVC material
- Easy Fly Trap Setup: Inflate ball, coat with Catch EM sticky coating and hang; Most effective to hang ball approximately 4-5 feet off ground in the sun adjacent to the shade and re-apply Catch EM' every 2-3 weeks; Every ball trap has a loop molded onto top - enabling it to be hung from a tree or pole
- Easy Fly Control – This disposable outdoor hanging fly trap gets rid of common flies, including hundreds of the most prevalent species. Once the trap is full, simply discard—no mess!
- Fast Acting — This trap uses an attractant bait that flies can’t resist. Lured by the scent, flies enter the trap through the cap and drown in the water.
- Easy to Use — Follow the easy directions on the bag to expose the trap entrance. Add water to activate bait and hang the trap outside, at least 20 feet away from any living spaces.
- Outdoor Use Only – Once activated, these traps have a strong odor. Only use this trap outdoors, and at least 20 feet away from any living areas.
- Made in the USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design and manufacture the safest and most effective pest control solutions available. We proudly manufacture our products in the USA!
- DISCREETLY DRAW FLIES AWAY FROM YOUR HOME. Hang the BugBane fly trap bag 20 feet from your home to quickly draw flies away making this the best fly trap for outside fly control.
- NON-TOXIC BAIT. SAFE FOR KIDS AND PETS. Our disposable fly traps outdoor hanging fly trap bait contains only fish, egg and bran. Enjoy effective, worry free outdoor fly control.
- QUICKLY ATTRACTS ALL FILTH FLIES. Once you add water, the fly catcher outdoor bait dissolves, releasing a smell flies find irresistible. Use as an outside fly traps for patio, house fly trap, horse or ranch fly trap.
- 2 IN 1 BAIT MEANS LESS ODOR. Unlike most outdoor fly repellent, our fly catcher used both smell and a blue visual lure to attract flies, meaning we dont have to make it as smelly as other fly repellent outdoor products.
- EASY TO SET UP IN SECONDS. Cut around the dotted line, pull up the cap, fill water to the line, then hang the flytrap outdoor 20 feet away, and you're done!
The Essential Guide to Buying the Best Horse Fly Trap
Horse flies are more than just annoying; they bite hard and can spread diseases. A good trap can make a huge difference in your yard or around your stable. This guide helps you choose the right one.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a horse fly trap, focus on what makes it effective.
- Attraction Method: The best traps use a combination of attractants. Look for traps that use CO2 (like a propane-powered model) or a visual lure (like a large, dark, bouncing ball that mimics a host animal).
- Catching Mechanism: Most traps use water or sticky glue boards. Water traps are cleaner because the flies drown. Glue traps are easier to set up but require more frequent replacement.
- Coverage Area: Check the trap’s advertised effective range. A small backyard needs a different trap than a large pasture.
- Ease of Maintenance: How often do you need to empty it or refill the attractant? Simpler traps usually mean less work for you.
2. Important Materials and Construction
The materials affect how long the trap lasts and how well it works in the weather.
Most quality traps are made from durable plastic or strong metal. Plastic is lighter and cheaper. Metal traps, especially those designed for propane use, last longer against sun and rain. Ensure the plastic is UV-resistant so it doesn’t become brittle and crack quickly.
If you choose a water trap, the basin must hold water securely without leaking. If you choose a glue trap, the glue needs to stay sticky even when wet.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a trap depends on its ability to consistently fool the flies.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Heat Emission: Some advanced traps generate a slight amount of heat. This mimics the warmth of a living animal, making the lure much more convincing to the horse flies.
- Odor Lures: Traps that use replaceable scent lures (often mimicking sweat or breath) significantly boost capture rates, especially in areas with high fly populations.
- Sturdy Setup: A trap that stands firm, even in wind, is better. If it wobbles, the visual lure won’t move correctly.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Visual Contrast: Traps that are all one dull color are less effective than those with high-contrast colors (like black and white or dark red).
- Flammable or Flimsy Parts: Cheap plastic can break easily. If a trap uses propane, all connections must be secure for safety.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the trap matters just as much as what you buy.
User Experience:
Propane-powered traps are highly effective but require buying propane tanks and monitoring the gas levels. They offer the best long-term control. Water traps are simple to use: fill them, hang them, and empty them. Sticky traps work well immediately but require you to handle sticky surfaces when changing the boards.
Use Cases:
- Around the Barn: For stables, you need a large-coverage trap placed outside the immediate activity area. Placing it 50 to 100 feet away from where horses gather works best. Flies are drawn to the trap, not the barn.
- Patios and Decks: For residential areas, smaller, non-gas-powered lures (like static water traps or sticky poles) are safer and easier to manage.
- Pasture Management: If you have large fields, investing in a CO2/propane unit provides the most significant relief across a wide area.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Horse Fly Traps
Q: How fast do horse fly traps start working?
A: Most traps start attracting flies immediately, but you might see a big difference only after a few days of consistent use. Flies need time to discover the lure.
Q: Do I need to use chemicals or attractant liquids?
A: It depends on the model. Water traps just need water, but most high-performance traps require special attractant liquids, CO2 cartridges, or propane to work best.
Q: Where is the best place to put a horse fly trap?
A: Place the trap in a sunny area where flies naturally congregate, usually near the edge of a field or woods. Keep it about 50 to 100 feet away from where people or animals rest.
Q: Are gas-powered traps safe to use near horses?
A: Yes, if they are set up correctly. The gas (propane) is contained, and the attractant is released slowly. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions carefully.
Q: Will this trap catch mosquitoes too?
A: Most traps are specifically designed for larger biting flies like horse flies and deer flies. They are usually not very effective against mosquitoes.
Q: How often must I empty a water trap?
A: This changes based on how many flies you catch and the weather. Check it at least twice a week. During peak season, you might need to empty it daily.
Q: Can I make my own horse fly trap?
A: Yes, DIY traps using dark balloons and soapy water work somewhat, but they lack the powerful lures (like CO2 or heat) that commercial traps use, so they catch far fewer flies.
Q: What is the main difference between a sticky trap and a water trap?
A: Sticky traps use glue to hold the flies. Water traps drown the flies in water, which is generally less messy for you to dispose of.
Q: How long does a good trap last?
A: High-quality plastic or metal traps can last several years if stored properly during the off-season. Cheap plastic models might only last one or two seasons.
Q: Does the color of the trap matter?
A: Yes, it matters a lot. Horse flies are strongly attracted to dark, round objects. Traps often use black or dark-colored components or balls to mimic an animal’s body.