STABLE FLY
STABLE FLY (Stomoxys calcitrans)
By Dr. Nancy Hinkle, Dept of Entomology, UCR
The stable fly also called the "biting fly" or "dog fly" is a common fly attacking cattle and other animals (including humans). These flies are almost indistinguishable from houseflies, except that the stable flies have a bayonet-like mouthpart (proboscis) protruding from the front of the head. While both sexes suck blood, stable flies are not known to be significant vectors of disease.
Depending on weather conditions, stable flies typically appear in mid-spring, become severe in early summer, and decrease in numbers in summer. During prime breeding times in summer, the stable fly can develop from egg to adult in just a couple of weeks. The female fly lays over a hundred eggs per batch and may lay four or five such batches in her lifetime, so there is potential for rapid population increases.
Stable flies tend to feed preferentially on the lower portions of animals, such as cattle and horses. On dogs, stable flies typically feed around the periphery of the ear. Undisturbed, the stable fly can fully engorge in less than five minutes. It then flies away to a suitable resting place where it is protected while the blood meal is digested.
Piles of moist, decaying vegetable matter (grass clippings, hay, silage, etc.) Should be considered potential sources of stable flies as this is where female stable flies lay their eggs and where the larvae (maggots) develop. Stable flies do not breed in pure fresh manure but will develop quite well in manure mixed with hay or other vegetable matter, especially when dampened by rain or urine. Mulch, backyard compost heaps and piles of grass clippings are ideal development sites for stable flies and may serve as the production source for an entire neighborhood. Within communities, it is seldom necessary for them to fly far to find hosts from which to take a blood meal. When stable flies are a problem in an area, it is probable that they are originating locally.
Control: The most effective and economical method for reducing populations of the biting fly is elimination of breeding sources. Moist grass clippings, etc. should be spread thinly to dry to prevent larval development. Horses tormented by these flies may be provided with darkened stables to which they can retreat. Fitting the entranceway with hanging flywhisks to brush flies off the animals serves to reduce the number of flies entering with the hosts. Dogs that are confined outdoors are vulnerable to these flies and should be provided a protective retreat. On-animal pyrethrin and permethrin products act as repellents, but must be reapplied frequently. Pour-on formulations have been demonstrated to be ineffective in controlling stable flies. Because the flies feed preferentially on the legs, to be effective, pesticides must be applied to lower body areas.
By Dr. Nancy Hinkle, Dept of Entomology, UCR
The stable fly also called the "biting fly" or "dog fly" is a common fly attacking cattle and other animals (including humans). These flies are almost indistinguishable from houseflies, except that the stable flies have a bayonet-like mouthpart (proboscis) protruding from the front of the head. While both sexes suck blood, stable flies are not known to be significant vectors of disease.
Depending on weather conditions, stable flies typically appear in mid-spring, become severe in early summer, and decrease in numbers in summer. During prime breeding times in summer, the stable fly can develop from egg to adult in just a couple of weeks. The female fly lays over a hundred eggs per batch and may lay four or five such batches in her lifetime, so there is potential for rapid population increases.
Stable flies tend to feed preferentially on the lower portions of animals, such as cattle and horses. On dogs, stable flies typically feed around the periphery of the ear. Undisturbed, the stable fly can fully engorge in less than five minutes. It then flies away to a suitable resting place where it is protected while the blood meal is digested.
Piles of moist, decaying vegetable matter (grass clippings, hay, silage, etc.) Should be considered potential sources of stable flies as this is where female stable flies lay their eggs and where the larvae (maggots) develop. Stable flies do not breed in pure fresh manure but will develop quite well in manure mixed with hay or other vegetable matter, especially when dampened by rain or urine. Mulch, backyard compost heaps and piles of grass clippings are ideal development sites for stable flies and may serve as the production source for an entire neighborhood. Within communities, it is seldom necessary for them to fly far to find hosts from which to take a blood meal. When stable flies are a problem in an area, it is probable that they are originating locally.
Control: The most effective and economical method for reducing populations of the biting fly is elimination of breeding sources. Moist grass clippings, etc. should be spread thinly to dry to prevent larval development. Horses tormented by these flies may be provided with darkened stables to which they can retreat. Fitting the entranceway with hanging flywhisks to brush flies off the animals serves to reduce the number of flies entering with the hosts. Dogs that are confined outdoors are vulnerable to these flies and should be provided a protective retreat. On-animal pyrethrin and permethrin products act as repellents, but must be reapplied frequently. Pour-on formulations have been demonstrated to be ineffective in controlling stable flies. Because the flies feed preferentially on the legs, to be effective, pesticides must be applied to lower body areas.