Within an hour after emerging, the adult can fly, and it is ready to feed and mate soon afterwards. Females usually begin laying eggs 5 to 10 days after emergence. Total time of development from egg to adult averages from 21 to 25 days and several generations occur each year. Stable flies usually overwinter as larvae and pupae, but in the southern states the adult flies are often active during warm periods throughout the winter. After the mating, at least 3 complete feedings are required before egg laying can occur.
Stable flies are capable of long flights in search of a blood meal.
The most effective method of stable fly control is scattering of the breeding material. Scattered, it will dry rapidly and deny the flies a moist breeding site. Insecticide treatment provides protection to the cattle but offers only temporary control because the flies do not remain on the animals after feeding.