No matter where we live and what we do, we have all encountered flies. Most of us probably even know that there are many different types of flies, but most folks probably don’t realize how many different types there are. One of the most common and most obnoxious flies out there is the stable fly, also called the barn fly or dog fly. This fly looks very similar to the common house fly, but there are some very significant differences.

The most important difference is that the common house fly does not bite, but the stable fly most definitely does! Stable flies bite in an effort to feed on blood, which is the only thing that they eat. House flies are noted for loving to eat feces, spoiled food, and other bacteria filled items. Stable fly bites are painful, but rarely cause any allergic type reaction. Stable flies do love to feed on livestock and on the ears of dogs, especially dogs with prick ears. While house flies are easily scared away by swatting or flailing, stable flies are far more persistent. This does make them easier to kill by swatting, especially while they are feeding. House flies tend to prefer higher places to rest, while stable flies rarely go higher than two to three feet above the ground. There are quite a few other differences, but these are the ones that most people easily notice when trying to distinguish between the two.

So how do we get rid of theses obnoxious, biting flies is usually the next question. The first step is to dispose of all decaying or moist plant substances, manure, and old hay and straw. Stable flies lay their eggs in this type of material, but only when it is old and decaying. Try to encourage insects that eat fly larvae and adult flies. There is a product called Fly Predator which is a mix of several types of insects that consume fly larvae. Spiders, ants, and frogs will also eat adult flies. Finally, by putting fly repellents (ones without insecticides are available) on livestock and dogs ears removes the major food sources for these flies and can decrease their populations.