Stable flies are primarily known to infest which environments?

Stable flies are primarily associated with rural farmlands, as they thrive in environments where livestock is present. These flies are known to breed in organic material such as decaying vegetation, manure, and other compost-like materials found on farms. This association with agricultural settings is crucial because stable flies are often attracted to the odors produced by animals and their waste, making farmlands their primary habitat.

In contrast, urban homes, private gardens, and forested areas do not provide the specific conditions stable flies need for breeding and accessing their primary food source, which is blood from animals. While stable flies can occasionally be found in non-farm settings, their primary infestations are linked to agricultural environments where they can easily access livestock.