How to get rid of hover flies
Hover flies, also known as flower flies or syrphid flies, are beneficial insects in the garden as they help with pollination. However, their larval stage can be a nuisance as they feed on plants and can cause damage to leaves and flowers. If you’re experiencing an infestation of hover flies in your garden and want to get rid of them, there are several effective methods you can try.
Create a hover fly-friendly environment. Although hover flies can be a nuisance when present in large numbers, they are also beneficial for natural pest control. By creating a hover fly-friendly environment in your garden, you can encourage them to stay away from your plants. Planting a variety of flowers and herbs, such as marigolds, lavender, and dill, will attract hover flies. These plants provide both nectar as a food source for adult hover flies and a habitat for their larvae.
Use sticky traps. Another effective method to control hover flies is by using sticky traps. These traps are easily available at garden centers or can be made at home. Hang the traps near the affected plants to attract and catch the adult hover flies. This method is best used in combination with other control methods as it only targets adult hover flies and may not be effective in the long term.
Identifying Hover Flies
The hover fly, also known as a flower fly or syrphid fly, belongs to the family Syrphidae. Hover flies can often be mistaken for bees or wasps due to their similar coloration and buzzing flight patterns. However, hover flies can be easily distinguished from bees by their lack of hairy bodies and absence of stingers, which makes them harmless to humans.
Hover flies typically have a slender body shape, measuring about 1/4 to 3/4 inches in length. They have large eyes that often cover most of their head, giving them excellent vision. Most hover flies also have distinct yellow or black striping patterns on their bodies, resembling those of bees or wasps.
One unique characteristic of hover flies is their ability to hover in mid-air due to their rapid wing beat, which can reach up to 300 beats per second. This hovering behavior is where the name “hover fly” originates from.
Identifying hover flies is important in distinguishing them from harmful insects. While hover flies closely resemble bees and wasps, they actually play a beneficial role in pollination and natural pest control. By understanding their appearance and behavior, it becomes easier to appreciate these fascinating insects and their vital ecological role.
Physical Appearance
Hover flies, also known as flower flies or syrphid flies, are small insects that closely resemble bees or wasps. They are typically around 10-12 mm in length, but can vary in size depending on the species. These flies have a shiny and striped body, ranging in colors from yellow and black to brown and orange.
One of the key features of hover flies is their ability to hover in mid-air, similar to how hummingbirds stay in one place while flapping their wings rapidly. This hovering behavior is how they earned their common name. They have transparent wings with dark veins, and their large compound eyes help them navigate their surroundings and locate flowers for feeding.
Unlike bees or wasps, hover flies do not have stingers or aggressive behavior. This makes them harmless to humans and pets. However, their physical appearance can often lead to misconceptions and unnecessary fear.
Hover flies also have similar body patterns and colorations to bees and wasps, which is known as Batesian mimicry. This mimicking allows them to gain protection from potential predators that mistake them for more dangerous insects. The stripes on their body act as a warning signal to deter predators from attacking them.
Overall, the physical appearance of hover flies can vary slightly between different species, but they generally have a bee or wasp-like appearance with a shiny body, transparent wings, and distinctive coloration. Understanding their appearance can help in differentiating them from harmful insects and developing effective methods for getting rid of them.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of a hover fly consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
- Egg: Hover flies lay their small, oval-shaped eggs on leaves, usually in close proximity to aphid colonies or other soft-bodied insects. The eggs are translucent and milky-white in color.
- Larva: After hatching from the egg, the larva emerges and begins its predatory behavior. Hover fly larvae are often referred to as “maggots” due to their small, legless body shape. They have a voracious appetite and mainly feed on small insects, such as aphids.
- Pupa: Once the larva has completed its growth stage, it enters the pupation stage. The pupa is typically brown in color and is encased in a cocoon or hardened outer shell. During this stage, the larva undergoes significant physical changes and transforms into an adult hover fly.
- Adult: After completing its development inside the pupa, the adult hover fly emerges. It has distinctive wings, often with dark bands, and a characteristic hovering flight pattern, which gives the species its name. Adult hover flies primarily feed on nectar and pollen, acting as important pollinators for flowering plants.
The entire life cycle of a hover fly generally takes around 4-6 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and species. This rapid life cycle allows hover flies to reproduce and increase their population size quickly. Understanding the life cycle of hover flies can aid in implementing effective pest control strategies to manage their populations.
Behavior and Habits
Hover flies, also known as flower flies or syrphid flies, are small insects that often mimic the appearance of bees or wasps. Despite their resemblance to stinging insects, hover flies are harmless and serve an important role in pollination.
Hover flies are attracted to areas with abundant flowering plants, as they rely on nectar and pollen as their main source of food. They are commonly found in gardens, meadows, and fields where there is a variety of blooming flowers.
Mating and Reproduction: Hover flies go through a general life cycle of egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Male hover flies are often seen hovering or patrolling over specific areas to search for potential mates. After successful mating, the females lay their eggs near aphid colonies or in damp soil that has a good supply of organic matter.
Feeding Habits: In their larval stage, hover flies are voracious predators of aphids, mealybugs, and other soft-bodied insects. These larvae display a behavior known as “syrphid fly swooping,” where they hover in mid-air and eat aphids as they land on plant surfaces. This makes them beneficial to gardeners, as they help control aphid populations naturally.
Flying and Sheltering: Hover flies are agile fliers and can hover in mid-air, fly backward, and change direction quickly. They have a characteristic buzzing sound while flying. When not feeding on nectar or preying on aphids, hover flies will rest and seek shelter in vegetation or tall grass.
Interactions with Humans: Hover flies are beneficial insects and can help reduce the need for chemical pesticides to control pests in gardens and crops. However, their resemblance to stinging insects can cause unnecessary alarm. It is important to remember that hover flies do not sting and are harmless to humans.
Understanding the behavior and habits of hover flies can help gardeners appreciate their ecological importance and encourage the conservation of these valuable pollinators.
Attracting Natural Predators
One of the most effective ways to control hover flies is by attracting their natural predators to your garden. These predators include birds, dragonflies, lacewings, and wasps. By creating a welcoming environment for these beneficial insects and animals, you can reduce the hover fly population in a natural and sustainable way.
1. Provide bird feeders
Setting up bird feeders in your garden will attract a variety of bird species that feed on hover flies. Opt for different types of bird food to entice a diverse range of birds. Additionally, consider placing nest boxes or birdhouses in your garden to provide shelter for birds.
2. Create a water source
Hover fly predators such as dragonflies and birds require a water source to thrive. Consider installing a small pond or a shallow trough of water in your garden. Adding water plants to the pond will further attract these beneficial predators.
3. Plant native flowers
Native plants are a great way to attract hover fly predators. Many of these natural predators are attracted to specific floral scents and colors. Research which native flowers in your area are known to attract birds, dragonflies, lacewings, and wasps. Planting a variety of these flowers will create a diverse habitat for predators to thrive.
4. Avoid pesticides
Pesticides not only kill hover flies but also their beneficial predators. Avoid using harmful pesticides in your garden to ensure you are not inadvertently harming the natural predators that help control hover flies. Instead, opt for organic methods of pest control whenever possible.
By attracting natural predators, you can create a balanced ecosystem in your garden that naturally controls the hover fly population. This approach provides a long-term and sustainable solution to dealing with hover flies and helps maintain a healthy garden environment.
Non-Chemical Control Methods
If you are looking for non-chemical methods to get rid of hover flies, there are several options you can try. These methods are safe for both humans and the environment, making them a popular choice for those who prefer natural solutions.
1. Remove Breeding Sites
Hover flies lay their eggs near decaying organic matter, so by removing any potential breeding sites around your property, you can discourage their presence. Clean up fallen leaves, remove grass clippings, and regularly empty any compost bins or piles to reduce the amount of organic material available for hover fly larvae to feed on.
2. Use Physical Barriers
Another effective non-chemical method is to use physical barriers to prevent adult hover flies from accessing your plants. Netting or mesh covers can be placed over susceptible plants to create a barrier that keeps the flies at bay while still allowing sunlight and air to reach the plants.
However, it’s important to ensure that the mesh is fine enough to prevent the flies from getting through. Regular inspection and maintenance of the barriers are also necessary to ensure their effectiveness.
Additionally, consider using sticky traps or yellow-colored sticky cards near infested plants. These traps will attract and catch adult hover flies, reducing their numbers and preventing them from laying eggs on your plants.
Overall, non-chemical control methods can be a reliable and eco-friendly way to manage hover fly populations and protect your plants without relying on harmful chemicals.
Chemical Control Options
If natural remedies and preventive measures fail to fully control hover flies, there are chemical control options that can be considered. It is important to note that chemical control should be used as a last resort and with caution, as it may harm other beneficial insects and disrupt the natural ecosystem.
1. Insecticides
There are insecticides available in the market specifically designed to control hover flies. These insecticides should be used according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. It is essential to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask, while using insecticides to minimize exposure.
It is recommended to apply insecticides in the evening when hover flies are most active. However, care should be taken to only target the affected plants and avoid spraying on flowering plants to protect other beneficial insects like bees.
2. Systemic Insecticides
Systemic insecticides can be applied to the soil or absorbed by plants to control hover flies. These insecticides are taken up by the roots and distributed throughout the plant, making it detrimental for hover flies that feed on the plant’s sap. Before using systemic insecticides, it is important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Keep in mind that systemic insecticides may take some time to take effect, so patience is required. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid using systemic insecticides on edible plants to prevent any harmful effects on humans.
Please note that it is always recommended to consult with a professional pest control expert or agricultural extension service before using any chemical control options to ensure that they are used safely and effectively.
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