94 THE STABLE FLY. 
Work animals may be largely protected from the pest by means of 
coverings. One type which was found very effective and inexpensive 
during the recent outbreak in Texas consisted of a blanket made of 
double thickness of burlap so arranged as completely to cover the 
back, sides, and neck of the animal (fig. 7). The legs are then 
covered by means of old trousers slipped on over the feet and tied 
over the back. Leather nets or strips of leather attached to the 
bridle also aid in keeping the flies from the head. The ordinary 
flynet has been found to be of little value as it only tends to displace 
the flies temporarily and cause them to settle in places not covered 
by the net. 
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Fig. 7.—Horses with one form of covering used to protect them from the stable fly. (After Felt.) 
Completely darkened stables offer much protection from the flies. 
The lack of ventilation resulting from such an arrangement 1s very 
objectionable, however. The thorough screening of all windows 
and doors is, therefore, much more desirable. When screened 
barns are used care should be taken to brush the flies from the ani- 
mals, when they are about to enter, by means of nets over the door- 
way, or with sacks. Little can be done to protect range stock from 
the flies. On hog farms a freshly plowed trench offers considerable 
protection to the swine. The sides of these trenches may be smeared 
with petroleum which is rubbed off on the animals and acts as a 
repellent. The trench may be used also for protecting sheep, but 
the petroleum in their case is unnecessary. 
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