D3344: Natural enemies and activity of stable flies on equine farms in New England

Stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) are an ubiquitous pest on equine farms that deliver painful bites while taking blood meals from livestock, pets, and humans. Although there are a variety of commercial biological control agents, pesticides, and traps, there is little to no region-specific guidance for New England equine facilities regarding their use. Stable fly phenology varies drastically between different regions of the United States with population growth driven by region specific environmental factors such as temperature or rainfall. This study examines stable fly phenology, activity, and naturally occurring biological control agents on equine farms in Maine.