Since flies tend to congregate in certain places during certain times of the day, an effective use of misters is to aim them at the resting places and be sure they are functioning during fly siesta time. Strips impregnated with insecticide are designed to keep approximately 1000 square feet free of flies for about 4 months so could be useful for enclosed areas such as tack rooms, feed rooms, and offices. However, since there are a variety on the market, it is essential to read the package carefully as some are not safe to be used in enclosed areas where humans frequent or in areas where food is present. To that end, some baits contain sex attractants plus a sugar-based feeding enticer. Fly bait can be used in hanging bait stations or as scatter bait on lawns and around buildings.
Repellents can be water, oil, or alcohol based.
Oil-based repellents remain on the hair shaft longer but the oil attracts dirt. Water-based repellents don't last as long but attract less dirt. To increase the lasting effect, some water-based repellents are made with silicone which coats the hair shaft and holds the repellent in place longer. Claims of duration of protection range from 1 to 14 days. Fly masks are available in several styles.