Field Guide to Flies
Know your enemy. Read up on the pests that might be bugging your horse this summer.
By
Holly Werner |
July 2009 Exclusive

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DEER FLY/HORSEFLY:
- Similar in shape and appearance to the common house fly, horse flies are larger (approximately 1 1/8" long for adults).
- Deer flies are ¼" to ½" smaller than horse flies, and usually have patterned wings.
- They may be black, gray or brown in color.
- Larvae proliferate in water or moist soil.
- Winged adults emerge in early summer.
- Adults live only a few days, and eggs are laid on aquatic plants just above water level.
- Powerful fliers that can travel many miles from breeding sites to find meals.
- Female deer and horseflies feed on blood from large mammals (although males do not).
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HOUSE FLY:
- Known scientifically as Musca domestica, the most common fly found inside homes.
- About ¼" long and gray with black stripes on the thorax.
- No chewing mouthparts, just "sponging" mouthpart for absorbing fluids, such as tears and wound secretions.
- Breed and produce maggots in moist organic material, such as manure.
- Found year-round, inside and outside, as long as temperatures are warm.
- Does not bite.
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STABLE FLY:
- Resembles the house fly, but with piercing mouthpart to suck blood.
- Both males and females attack animals around the flanks and below the knees, causing them to stomp or kick.
- After feeding, flies retreat to fences or other surfaces to digest their meals.
- Eggs are laid in moist organic matter, such as wet manure or urine-soaked, fermenting straw, hay or feed.
- Life cycle completed in 21-25 days during warm weather.
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HORN FLY:
- Small, about 3/16", and dark gray.
- Feed by sucking blood from horses and cattle throughout the day, resting continuously on the animal's shoulders and back.
- Females lay eggs in fresh cow manure piles.
- Life cycle completed in 10-14 days.
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For information on reducing fly-breeding sites in your region, see "National Defense" in the July 2009 issue of Horse Illustrated. Further Reading Insect Control Strategies Fly Control Resources
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