Biting Stable Flies
Biting stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) can be a major nuisance, especially for farmers, ranchers, and pet owners. These pests resemble house flies but have some distinct features and behaviors that make them a serious concern for both livestock and humans. Spalding Labs Follow these tips to reduce biting stable fly populations.
Quick Tips for Biting Stable Fly Control
Clear away rotting organic matter, manure, old hay bales, and similar materials that attract stable flies.
Encourage fly predators, such as Fly Predators, near breeding areas to naturally control stable fly populations.
Position traps near breeding zones or between areas where flies are infesting to capture them before they spread.
Apply repellents like Bye Bye Insects on livestock away from where beneficial insects will be active to avoid harming them.
Widespread spraying of pesticides can harm beneficial insects. Instead, target fly resting areas and avoid breeding spots for better results.
Apply residual pesticides to resting surfaces (but not breeding areas) to effectively decrease fly numbers.
Identifying Biting Stable Flies
Stable flies look similar to house flies, but there are some key differences. They are approximately 3/16″ to 5/16″ long, with a dull appearance and four dark stripes running across their upper body. Their abdomen often features dark spots and distinctive “checkerboard” markings. What sets them apart from house flies is their piercing, needle-like mouthpart, called a proboscis, which both male and female flies use to feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans, dogs, and horses.
Stable flies are notorious for biting and can pierce through clothing, particularly around the ankles. They are especially problematic on farms, ranches, and areas with outdoor animals, as they often target livestock, including cattle, horses, and even pets left outdoors.
Stable Fly Behavior and Lifecycle
Feeding: Adult stable flies do not feed at night. After taking a blood meal, they often rest on vertical surfaces to digest.
Breeding: Female stable flies lay 40 to 80 eggs per batch, and a single female can produce 10 to 12 batches in her lifetime. These eggs develop into larvae in areas with moist organic matter, such as manure, compost piles, wet hay bales, and grass clippings. Stable flies also breed in vegetation along lakeshores or in grassy areas of yards and golf courses.
Lifecycle: Under ideal conditions, the entire lifecycle—from egg to adult fly—takes 21 to 25 days, though it can take up to 78 days in cooler climates or less favorable conditions.
Overwintering: Stable flies overwinter as larvae or pupae, and they can travel long distances—sometimes hundreds of miles—thanks to weather fronts that carry them across large areas.
The Importance of Sanitation and Management
Research from Texas A&M University has shown that over 1 million stable flies can develop from the debris of a single round bale feeding site. To reduce fly populations:
- Regularly clean up straw, hay, and spilled feed in animal pens.
- Spread debris out to dry or compost it to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground.
- Manage breeding areas and improving sanitation to stop flies before they multiply.
Stable flies are not attracted to traditional “odor” traps. Instead, apply pesticides to surfaces where flies rest as an effective control measure. Fly Predators, tiny insects that parasitize stable fly larvae, are also a natural and effective solution for managing stable fly populations without harming the environment.
Keep Stable Flies at Bay
Stable flies can be persistent and troublesome, but with the right strategies, you can protect your livestock, pets, and home from infestations. Regular sanitation, increasing beneficial insects, and using targeted traps or pesticides can significantly reduce stable fly numbers and keep your environment fly-free.
If you’re struggling with a stable fly infestation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pest control expert for personalized advice and treatment options.
Why Choose Spalding Labs for Fly Control?
Spalding Labs offers proven, science-backed solutions like Fly Predators to control biting stable flies naturally and effectively. With over 45 years of experience, we’re trusted by horse and livestock owners across the country to keep fly populations in check.
Ready to stop biting stable flies before they start?
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Reach out with questions or for a free consultation: 1-888-880-1579
