How to identify and get rid of stable flies

Have you ever been bitten by what looked like a housefly and wondered how that happened? Has your conception of those annoying flies been wrong all this time?

No, you just encountered a house fly's blood-sucking cousin, the stable fly.

Stable flies like to hang around… you guessed it… stables. They prefer to bite and suck the blood of large warm-blooded animals like cattle or horses. If the opportunity arises, they can sometimes take a sip from a human host, too!

These flies don't have the sponging mouthparts that house flies use to slurp up liquid. Instead, they have a long, lance-like mouthpart that they use to bite through the skin and suck up blood. Both males and females feed on blood. The males will die after mating, but the females will lay their eggs in old manure of stable animals, compost piles, old grass clipping piles or urine-soaked straw.

Stable flies aren't usually a big problem for homeowners, as these flies rarely come inside. They will likely be a problem for people with pets and farm animals.

Stable flies can be identified by their gray bodies and checkerboard patterns on their abdomen. You'll also notice large dots on the top of the abdomen.

Like the housefly, the stable fly will have black and gray stripes on its thorax, red eyes, and only two wings.

Also, their wings won't overlap much when they rest, unlike other common flies. If you find yourself with itchy bites around your ankles or see these flies persistently around your home, especially where pets rest or livestock are kept, you've likely got stable flies on your hands.

How big are stable flies?

Stable flies grow to about ¼ inch long.

What other pest looks like a stable fly?

The house fly will look the most similar to a stable fly. The way to tell the difference includes:

• Stable flies have – a lance-like mouthpart, dots on the abdomen
• House flies have – a thick, sponging mouthpart, lack dots on the abdomen

They are found all over the United States, particularly in agricultural areas or places with livestock. Look for them near animal bedding, aged manure piles, or compost heaps. Inside the house, they might be found near windows or doors, trying to escape back outside.

The best way to control stable flies is with prevention and sanitation. If you have farm animals or pets in a stable or pen, you want to make sure you clean up any waste or manure frequently. Also, remove any old hay, soiled animal bedding, and spilled feed.

Fly traps placed near stables or corrals can help trap and control flies.

If you have stable flies on your porch or in your home, consider these tips:

• Air movement with fans
• Repair and install window and door screens
• Clean up grass piles in your yard

Spraying a perimeter insect spray around your home can also prevent flies from entering or clustering around windows and doors. Pestie offers a DIY, pro-grade solution that is easy to apply and comes to your door at the right time to apply. You can save hundreds on pest control without the need for an exterminator.