Citraquin® vs MAVRIK Fly Dope: Which Horse Fly Spray Is Better?
Direct answer
Citraquin® is the stronger buy for most riders comparing these two horse fly sprays. At K&D Equestrian's listed prices on July 31, 2026, the 32oz Citraquin costs $21.96 less than the same-size MAVRIK Fly Dope. The Citraquin directions say to reapply every 24 to 48 hours based on weather, sweat, and exposure, while MAVRIK states protection for up to 8 hours and directs daily reapplication. Fly Dope remains a reasonable choice if you already know and prefer its specific formula, but Citraquin leads on published price and stated reapplication interval.
How this comparison was made: We compared current K&D product information for size, price, formula style, stated reapplication interval, and labeled routine use as of July 31, 2026. K&D sells both brands. Prices, inventory, directions, and formulas can change, so check the current product label before use.
Citraquin vs MAVRIK Fly Dope at a glance
| Comparison point | Citraquin® | MAVRIK Fly Dope | Practical edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32oz price | $19.99 | $41.95 | Citraquin |
| 128oz price | $80.00 | $161.75 | Citraquin |
| Stated reapplication | Every 24 to 48 hours depending on conditions | Up to 8 hours of protection; reapply daily | Citraquin on stated interval |
| Formula style | Ready-to-use, essential-oil-based spray with citronella, cedarwood, wintergreen, and Vitamin E | Water-based, non-oily essential-oil formula | Preference dependent |
| Pyrethrins | No pyrethrins | Made without pyrethrin | Even |
| Routine use | Horse coat plus stall walls, sheets, and blankets where the label allows | Horse and barn-area use according to the current label | Both offer barn-routine flexibility |
Important: A stated interval is not a guarantee of identical performance in every barn. Rain, bathing, sweat, coat condition, insect pressure, and application coverage can change how often a horse needs another application.
Which horse fly spray costs less?
Citraquin costs substantially less at both directly comparable sizes. The 32oz Citraquin is listed at $19.99, or about $0.62 per ounce. The 32oz Fly Dope is listed at $41.95, or about $1.31 per ounce. That makes Citraquin $21.96 less for the same nominal volume, roughly 52% below the Fly Dope price.
The gallon comparison follows the same pattern. Citraquin 128oz is $80.00, or $0.63 per ounce. Fly Dope 128oz is $161.75, or about $1.26 per ounce. Citraquin saves $81.75 per gallon, roughly 51% at the prices checked.
For a multi-horse barn, frequent turnout, or a trailer that needs to stay stocked, that price difference is meaningful before reapplication frequency is even considered.
Which one lasts longer between applications?
Citraquin has the longer stated reapplication interval. Its current K&D directions say to reapply every 24 to 48 hours depending on weather, sweat, and exposure. MAVRIK states that Fly Dope provides protection for up to 8 hours and should be reapplied daily.
That does not mean every Citraquin application will perform for exactly 48 hours, or that Fly Dope will perform for exactly 8 hours on every horse. It means Citraquin has the stronger published interval for shoppers making a label-based comparison. Follow the current label and reassess after hard work, heavy sweat, rain, bathing, or unusually high insect pressure.
How do the formulas differ?
The comparison is not pyrethrin-free versus pyrethrin-based. Current product information indicates that both use an essential-oil approach without pyrethrins.
Citraquin formula profile
- Ready to use with no mixing or dilution.
- Includes citronella, cedarwood, wintergreen, and Vitamin E.
- Uses purified water, isopropyl alcohol, vegetable-derived glycerin, castor oil, and a plant-derived emulsifier system.
- Designed for horses and selected barn surfaces or textiles where the current label allows.
Fly Dope formula profile
- Water-based, non-oily essential-oil formula.
- Made without DEET, pyrethrin, permethrin, rosemary, or lavender.
- Designed for horse and barn-area use according to its current directions.
- A fit for riders who specifically prefer the MAVRIK formula or already know how it performs in their routine.
Formula caveat: Citraquin is not alcohol-free. Its current ingredient information includes isopropyl alcohol. Review every ingredient list and patch test when appropriate, especially for a horse with known sensitivities.
Which spray should you choose?
Choose Citraquin if you want:
- The lower current price in both 32oz and gallon sizes.
- The longer stated reapplication window.
- A ready-to-use essential-oil formula with no pyrethrins.
- A practical refill path for a busy or multi-horse barn.
Choose MAVRIK Fly Dope if you want:
- The specific MAVRIK essential-oil formula.
- A water-based, non-oily product made without the listed excluded ingredients.
- To stay with a product you already know works in your own barn routine.
K&D's overall pick is Citraquin. It wins the factors that can be compared directly and verified from current listings: price at matching sizes and stated time between applications. That is a stronger value proposition without pretending that one spray performs identically on every horse in every environment.
How to get a fair result from either spray
- Shake well before use so the formula is evenly distributed.
- Start with a clean, reasonably dry coat and apply complete, even coverage.
- Avoid eyes and other sensitive areas. Use a cloth for careful facial application only if the current label permits it.
- Reassess after heavy sweat, rain, bathing, or intense insect exposure.
- Follow the current product label for horse, barn-surface, sheet, or blanket use.
- Stop use and seek veterinary guidance if irritation or another concerning reaction develops.
Ready to compare the live listings?
Check current inventory, size options, and product directions before adding a spray to your barn routine.
Frequently asked questions
Is Citraquin better than MAVRIK Fly Dope?
Citraquin is the better value based on K&D's current same-size prices and the products' stated reapplication intervals. It costs less in 32oz and gallon sizes and lists a 24 to 48 hour interval, compared with Fly Dope's statement of up to 8 hours and daily reapplication. Individual results still depend on conditions and correct use.
How often do you reapply Citraquin?
The current directions say every 24 to 48 hours depending on weather, sweat, and exposure. Reassess sooner after rain, bathing, heavy work, or unusually high insect pressure, and always follow the current label.
How long does MAVRIK Fly Dope last?
MAVRIK states protection for up to 8 hours and directs daily reapplication. “Up to” is a maximum statement, not a promise that every application will last a full 8 hours.
Which product is cheaper by the ounce?
Citraquin. At the prices checked July 31, 2026, the 32oz size is about $0.62 per ounce versus about $1.31 for Fly Dope. The gallon is about $0.63 per ounce versus about $1.26 for Fly Dope.
Are Citraquin and MAVRIK Fly Dope pyrethrin-free?
Current product information describes Citraquin as containing no pyrethrins and Fly Dope as made without pyrethrin. Check the latest label because formulas can change.
Can Citraquin be used around the barn?
Its current directions include use on horses and on stall walls, sheets, and blankets where appropriate. Follow the label for surfaces, distance, coverage, and areas to avoid.
Can K&D ship Citraquin to Indiana?
No. The current Citraquin listing states that it is not available for sale in Indiana.