Stable Flies
Dog Flies
The stable fly resembles a house fly but is easily distinguished by its bite. These annoying "biting house flies" feed on animals as well as humans, and are a nusiance to farms and along coastal areas.
- Fly Species
- barn flies, biting house flies, dog flies, beach flies, power mower flies
- Family: Muscidae
- Genus: Stomoxys
- Species: S. calcitrans
- Locations
- Worldwide pest of man and livestock.
- Size
- 1/4 - 1/3 inch (6mm - 8mm)
- Identify
- Much like the house fly, it has 4 distinct stripes on the thorax, but has a prominent light colored area between the bands.
- However, the bite is what distinguishes it quickly, with its slender beak protruding from the head.
- The upper part of the abdomen has a number of nearly round dark spots.
- Has a pale spot behind head
- When at rest, the wings are held at an angle to the body instead of straight back like the house fly
- Life Cycle
- The entire life cycle from egg to adult averages 21-25 days.
- Eggs hatch in 1 to 3 days.
- Larvae feed for 14 to 26 days.
- The larvae then seek a drier environment to pupate for 5-26 days.
- Breeding
- Stacks of straws is the preferred breeding site, but decaying hay, grain, onions, leeks, chicken manure, and lawn clippings are other ideal spots.
- They also breed in beach areas such as seashore vegetation and seaweed following high tide as well.
- Feeding
- Humans, cattle, animals, and domestic animals such as cats and dogs.
- They are especially attracted to dark colors
- Congregation
- Horse stables and barns, or wherever cattle occur.
- Commonly seen basking in the sun on light colored walls, fences, etc.
- Along shorelines in beach areas with sea grass and other vegetation.
- Health Importance
- Pests to beef and dairy cattle, and can be a vector of disease such as anthrax.
- Reduced productivity in cattle such as milk production is also a result of the flies continuously pestering and weakening the animals.
- How to Kill / Control
- To get rid of stable flies:
- Eliminate breeding grounds
- Use Fly Traps, Fly Zappers, and Fly Sprays to kill adult flies
- View our Fly Control page for extended information on these methods.
- Extra Info
- Called the dog fly because they are most abundant during the "dog days" of summer.
- And of course, because they annoy dogs.
- Known as a beach fly because of its abundance along seashore areas.
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