Summer brings long evenings, dusty schooling sessions, and inevitably clouds of flies. If your horse is sensitive, itchy, or just fed up of being pestered, finding a fly spray that actually works (and doesn’t smell like a chemical factory) becomes a bit of a mission.

Arlo Pet Citronella Plus is their naturally‑inspired fly spray, built around citronella and plant‑based ingredients. I’ve been using it in everyday yard life to see how it performs: the scent, the coverage, the staying power, and whether it genuinely keeps the flies at bay.

Citronella Plus is Arlo Pet’s citronella‑based fly repellent, designed to help deter:

• Flies
• Midges
• Biting insects
• Summer irritations around the face, belly, sheath/udder, and tail

It’s marketed as a fresh, natural‑feeling spray that’s gentle on skin but still effective enough for daily use.

First Impressions

If you like a classic citronella scent, this one hits the mark. It’s fresh, clean, and not overly sharp, more “summer lemon grove” than “industrial cleaner”.

The spray bottle is sturdy, the trigger is smooth, and the liquid dries quickly without leaving a sticky or oily residue. It feels like a product you can use generously without worrying about buildup.

How Easy Is It to Apply?

Very easy. The spray pattern is fine and even, so you can cover large areas quickly. Horses who dislike strong chemical smells tend to tolerate this one well, and the quieter trigger helps with sensitive types.

For the face, a cloth or sponge works perfectly.

Does Arlo Pet Citronella Plus Actually Work?

For a citronella‑based spray, Citronella Plus performs better than expected. Here’s what stood out during real‑yard use:

• Immediate reduction in flies landing after application
• Great for light to moderate fly days
• Fresh scent that doesn’t overwhelm
• No irritation on sensitive skin

It’s not a heavy‑duty, chemical‑strength repellent, but that’s not what it’s trying to be. It’s a natural‑leaning option that still does a solid job.

Arlo Pet's Ethos

Whilst I can't speak to specific cases of sensitivity, I can wholeheartedly say that the brand is known for putting animals first and ensuring that their products are kind, gentle and simple to use. There is a genuine love from Arlo pet in everything they do. They are very focussed on doing the best for the animals they make their products for.

Who Is Citronella Plus Best For?

This spray is a great fit if you want:

• A natural‑leaning, citronella‑based fly spray
• Something gentle enough for sensitive horses
• A fresh scent that’s pleasant to use
• A reliable everyday option for schooling, grooming, and light turnout

If you need all‑day protection in peak midge season, you may want to pair it with a fly rug or a stronger repellent.

Citronella Plus can be bought on Amazon. It's sometimes on a 5% off for four products. You can also buy direct from Arlo Pet and get 10% off with my code, EVERYDAY10. The amazon affiliate link costs nothing to use and is a comparable price to Arlo's website but check it out for yourself.