Stable Fly Control in 4 Easy Steps

Stable fly control is a contentious issue due to the presence of these blood-sucking filth flies, which are similar to house flies but bite humans, livestock, and pets.

Outdoor livestock animals may face heat stress as they gather together to avoid persistent feeding from pests.

Follow the steps and use professional products in this DIY guide for effective, stable fly control to protect yourself and your animals.

 

Step 1: How To Identify the Stable Fly

• The sneaky stable fly, much like its cousin, the house fly, shares a similar appearance.
  However, it possesses a sleek, needle-like mouthpiece (proboscis) that it skillfully employs to puncture the skin of its unsuspecting victims and indulge in a bloodsucking feast.
  In the world of pest control, it’s fascinating to observe that both the dashing gentleman and the elegant lady of the stable fly species have a refined taste for blood.
• These pesky stable flies, known as the “tiny terrors of the air,” boast a formidable length of 7 to 8 mm (1/4 inch).
• The mature stable flies showcase a delightful palette of light grey to brown hues, adorned with four captivating horizontal dark stripes on their thorax.
  Their abdomens are embellished with charming dark spots, reminiscent of a whimsical checkerboard pattern.
• Tiny, measuring a mere 1 mm in length, these eggs boast a delicate off-white hue.
  These eggs are cunningly disguised as sausages, and when they make their grand appearance, they cleverly gather together in clusters of up to 50 eggs.
• Stable fly larvae boast a classic maggot physique, gracefully progressing through a trilogy of larval stages.
  In the early stages of their journey, these tiny creatures emerge, appearing as translucent beings measuring a mere 1.25 mm in size.
  During the final stage of metamorphosis, the enchanting larvae undergo a magnificent transformation.
  Their translucent appearance gracefully transitions into a delightful hue of pale yellow or creamy white, resembling the delicate petals of a blossoming flower.
  As they mature, these remarkable creatures develop a captivating mouth hook, perfectly designed to navigate their surroundings.
  Additionally, two posterior spiracles emerge, serving as elegant portals for their ethereal breath. Truly, nature’s artistry knows no bounds.
• Once the resilient, stable fly larvae reach their third growth stage, their exoskeleton toughens and transforms into a robust, reddish-brown casing, resembling a protective shield.
  Within this fortified fortress, commonly referred to as a puparium, the larvae undergo a remarkable metamorphosis, transforming into resilient pupae.
  The tiny larvae, ranging from 4.5 to 7 mm in length, are the stealthy agents of pest control.
• Similar to the cunning house fly, stable flies possess eyes that are strategically positioned with ample spacing.

 

Read also: How To Get Rid of Lovebugs in 4 Easy Steps

 

Step 2: How To Inspect For Stable Flies

Stable flies have a keen interest in establishing their offspring’s humble abode within the confines of damp, decomposing substances.

In the concrete jungle, pests may lurk amidst the urban landscape, disguising themselves as pet droppings in yards or compost piles, sneaking around like mischievous scavengers amidst the garbage, or even hiding in the shadows of decomposing lawn clippings.

In the vast countryside, one might encounter a delightful conundrum known as the accumulation of organic remnants from our beloved livestock or poultry, gracefully adorning the vicinity of barns and pastures.

These remnants, brimming with life-sustaining nutrients, may manifest in the form of enchanting hay bales, whimsically scattered animal feed, or even the remnants of cosy animal bedding.

Stable flies are notorious for their insatiable appetite for nibbling, resulting in welts that can leave you scratching for days. Typically, they gather near the critters’ limbs, ankles, underbelly, and sides.

Keep a keen eye on your critters for any indications of annoyance, such as the rhythmic tap dance of their paws, the elegant flick of their tails, the formation of a tight-knit animal squad, or the persistent shimmying of their bodies or noggins.

 

Step 3: How to Carry Out Stable Fly Control

• Eliminate Breeding Sites:

The eradication of breeding grounds is of utmost importance as these pesky stable fly larvae thrive and grow in the midst of decaying plant materials, which are frequently tainted with animal waste.

In the realm of pest control, it is crucial to address the matter of animal waste, straw bedding, and grass clippings that have been left undisturbed for an extended period.

These seemingly innocent elements have the potential to undergo decomposition, thereby creating an ideal breeding ground for our formidable foe, the female stable fly.

These cunning creatures seize the opportunity to lay their eggs under such circumstances.

Mastering the art of banishing stable flies from livestock areas and residential yards requires a cunning strategy, for the mere use of insecticides alone will not triumph over these persistent pests.

First, one must eradicate the very conditions that nourish their existence, paving the way for a victorious battle against these winged adversaries.

In order to maintain a pest-free environment, it is crucial to engage in a weekly mission to eradicate any unwanted organic debris.

This includes diligently removing manure, hay, animal bedding, spilt feed, and other decaying substances from stalls, pens, paddocks, the vicinity beneath feeders, surrounding fences, within barns, and any other zones where our beloved creatures reside.

Give special consideration to damp and dirty straw bedding to assist in the eradication of pesky stable flies.

Relocate the fertile soil or nutrient-rich organic matter stacks a considerable distance away from your barns or animal housing foundation, and from the pastures or enclosures where animals roam or reside.

• Apply a Residual Insecticide:

Introducing Flex 10-10 Pest Annihilator, a potent concoction crafted with the deadly duo of permethrin 10% and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) 10% synergist.

This extraordinary elixir possesses the power to obliterate and deter bothersome pests, such as those pesky stable flies, for an impressive span of 90 days.

Prepare to witness the ultimate pest control wizardry! Once unleashed, it shall eradicate and repulse the audacious stable flies for a staggering span of 90 days.

Unleash the mighty power of Flex 10-10 and Tekko Pro IGR to thwart the growth of those pesky fly youngsters, preventing them from blossoming into full-fledged, reproductive adults.

Introducing Tekko Pro IGR, the ultimate guardian against the tiny winged intruders lurking in the shadows of agricultural fortresses and residential green havens.

This formidable insect growth regulator strikes fear into the hearts of underdeveloped stable flies, ensuring their growth is stunted and their presence eradicated.

With Tekko Pro IGR, agricultural buildings like barns and residential lawns become impenetrable fortresses, safeguarding against the relentless onslaught of these pesky pests.

To effectively combat the pesky intruders, it is essential to unleash the power of our specialised ULV fogger, the mighty Tomahawk TMD14 Backpack Fogger.

With this formidable weapon in hand, you can effortlessly disperse our potent products through the air, ensuring that every nook and cranny, both in the atmosphere and on designated surfaces, receives a thorough and decisive treatment in a single application.

For the ultimate eradication of those pesky stable flies, concoct a powerful potion by blending 64 fluid ounces of Flex 10-10 with a whopping 55 gallons of water.

This magical mixture will yield a solution with a precisely calculated concentration of 0.09%, perfectly tailored to vanquish these bothersome pests.

Prepare to witness the ultimate control over these winged nuisances! This can be exterminated down to 0.86 fl. oz. per 1 gallon of water.

For optimal pest control, it is essential to incorporate 1 fluid ounce of Tekko Pro IGR into every gallon of water.

Once your potent concoction is brewed, unleash it as a cloud of pest-slaying mist in the designated zones. The tiny warriors will scatter through the atmosphere and conquer any unsuspecting surfaces nearby.

When conducting a thorough inspection of the foliage, ensure to administer treatment both above and below the verdant canopy.

Before banishing pests from their secret hideouts, evacuate the premises and forbid any critters from returning until the magical potion has fully dried.

Flex 10-10, the mighty warrior against unwanted critters, fearlessly marches into dairy and beef barns, poultry fortresses, swine strongholds, warehouses of all sizes, zoological realms, and any other designated animal abodes.

Avoid applying to areas where feed and food are accessible, as well as food-related items, water sources, and watering equipment, and refrain from treating cosy cat bedding.

 

Where Can the Stable Fly Control Products Be Purchased?

• Flex 10-10 insecticide

 

Read also: 4 Steps For Effective Caddisfly Control

 

Step 4: How To Prevent Stable Flies?

• Regularly remove decaying and moist organic matter, such as manure, hay, grass clippings, pet droppings, and soaked animal bedding, as stable flies are attracted to these sites for egg laying. Relocate compost piles away from barns and grazing areas to prevent pests.
• Mow turf at 3 inches height and remove weeds around your home, barn, and animal housing area. Tall vegetation can create shade and moisture problems, while weeds steal nutrients from other plants, causing wilting and decomposition.
• Dispose of pet droppings, manure, grass clippings, and pruned vegetation to minimise breeding grounds for stable flies.
• Remove leaves and plant debris from areas where animals are kept. Untreated manure and vegetation buildup contribute to the growth of stable fly habitat.
• Seal trash cans with lids to deter stable flies attracted by odours and decaying materials. Prevent animals and pests by keeping garbage containers away from animal housing and home foundations.
• Offering professional installation and repair services for screens in barn and home windows and doors.
• To control stable flies year-round, apply Flex 10-10 Insecticide every 90 days. Tekko Pro IGR can be reapplied 14 days after the last treatment or after heavy rainfall.

 

Read also: What are the 4 Steps To Get Rid of Adelgid Control?

 

Watch an Explanatory Video on Effective Stable Fly Control

 

Conclusion

The stable fly, despite its name, is not limited to causing problems in stables. This pest is commonly found in animal habitats where fresh blood and manure are present, leading to its name.

For stable fly infestations, use Flex 10-10 and Tekko Pro IGR as a space spray and residual treatment.

Avoid applying these products in the presence of animals or people, and ensure that they do not re-enter the treated areas until proper ventilation and drying have occurred.

Thank you for your attention!

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