I've been on Mavericks since it was open to the general public.
But yesterday it started frequently refreshing he desktop icons, over and over again, possibly every 10-15 seconds. It's very strange.
I'm not moving any windows or moving the mouse around. Often I'm just reading a web page or some email and I'll notice the desktop repaint all the icons, then read a bit more, then notice it doing it again.
Macbook Pro retina, Mavericks. Have noticed on 2 extern displays (Apple Thunderbolt display at work and on 1080p TV/monitor at home). Laptop itself is typically closed.
I've posted other questions about desktop icon placement, not sure if any of that is related, just full disclosure.
Best Answer
Just searched for people that have this problem, because I had the same problem today. After searching the internet for about half an hour I found a little post that was old and short on Apple forum.
I guy said it is Google Drive that triggers it. I uninstalled Google Drive, and WOW my problem was gone.
So if you are a Google Drive user, try to uninstall (reinstall) and see. I say reinstall because I have had Google Drive on my Mac before without the problem, but for now, I have it totally uninstalled.
NOTE: I did uninstall with a software for the purpose, I'm using AppZapper, but there are many others of that sort. I also deleted the .DS_Store file on desktop (just in case it was corrupted). If you want to delete the .DS_Store file, you need to have hidden files shown (or use the Terminal) on your mac.