General
5.5mm-9mm in length. Wing span of 15mm approx. The thorax has dark stripes on a grey background (similar to the house fly) but is easily distinguished by the fact that the piercing mouth parts project forward from the head and are kept permanently in that position. Lay eggs in animal manure and rotting vegetation.

Significance
The adult flies are blood feeders and can bite humans. Preferred hosts are cattle and horses. They generally bite around the legs and ankles. Clothing is no barrier. Secondary infection can occur if the wound is scratched. Bare skin is rarely attacked. Dogs cats and poultry may also be attacked. The stable fly has been implicated as a transmitter of poliomyelitis in rare cases larvae cause intestinal myiasis in man.

Control
Treatment consists of removal of the larval development sites and the application of a residual insecticide to areas where the flies are seen. In animal units, stables etc. seek guidance on treatment. Control of adult flies around human habitation may be achieved by using a residual insecticide, aerosols, ultra low volume insecticide and insect repellents.

Number of Days Spent as: