The stable fly (seen at right) resembles the house fly but is larger (about 1/4" - 1/3") and aggressive while inflicting an irritating bite. It has four distinct, dark longitudinal stripes on the thorax and several dark spots on the abdomen. These flies commonly breed in wet organic materials such as straw, litter, manure mixed with straw or other animal bedding, plus decaying vegetable, piles of grass clippings. Hurricanes and other severe storms can deposit large amounts of seaweed on beaches. As seaweed that is trapped beyond the high tide areas begins to decay, it soon becomes an attractive breeding ground for the flies. Their eggs hatch within three days (sooner with hot temperatures) and total development time (egg to adult) is about 21 days. Adult flies begin feeding and irritating people, pets, livestock, etc. within an hour or so of their emergence. Unfortunately there are no simple chemical controls in terms of spraying outdoors. Livestock can be protected somewhat with sprays. People who are working outdoors can apply repellents to exposed skin and clothing to obtain some relief, but don't count on them being extremely effective. The most effective way to correct this problem is to remove the rotting and soon-to-be smelly piles of seaweed. CLICK HERE for more information about stable flies.