How To Get Rid Of Hoverflies

Are your garden parties being crashed by buzzing insects that look suspiciously like wasps? Before you reach for the fly swatter, take a closer look – you might be dealing with hoverflies, the beneficial look-alikes that are actually your garden's allies! While they might be a bit of a nuisance buzzing around, adult hoverflies are important pollinators, and their larvae are voracious predators of aphids and other pests. Getting rid of them entirely isn't the goal, but managing their population and deterring them from becoming overwhelming can make your outdoor space much more enjoyable.

An overabundance of hoverflies can indicate an underlying pest problem, like a thriving aphid colony attracting them in droves. Ignoring the issue could lead to sticky honeydew on your plants and a general decline in their health. Learning how to gently manage these visitors ensures a balanced ecosystem in your garden, protecting your plants and allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without constant buzzing.

What are hoverflies attracted to, and how can I keep them away?

How do I permanently get rid of hoverflies?

Completely eliminating hoverflies permanently is neither advisable nor usually possible, as they are beneficial pollinators and their larvae are effective aphid predators. Instead, focus on managing their populations by controlling aphid infestations (their food source) and making your garden less attractive to them by removing standing water and minimizing flowering plants near areas where you don't want them.

Hoverflies are attracted to gardens with abundant aphids, as these pests are the primary food source for their larvae. Therefore, the most effective long-term strategy is to manage aphid populations. This can be achieved through introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, using insecticidal soap or neem oil specifically targeted to aphids (avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides that harm beneficial insects), and regularly inspecting plants for early signs of infestation. Strong jets of water from a hose can also dislodge aphids from plants. Furthermore, consider the plants you choose for your garden. While hoverflies are attracted to flowering plants for nectar and pollen, reducing the density of flowers near areas you want to keep hoverfly-free (like patios or doorways) can help. Ensure there is no standing water nearby, as this can attract them for breeding. A well-maintained garden with healthy plants is less likely to experience severe aphid infestations, thus reducing the hoverfly population naturally. Aim for a balanced ecosystem in your garden rather than complete eradication, acknowledging the important role hoverflies play in pollination and pest control.

What attracts hoverflies to my garden in the first place?

Hoverflies are primarily attracted to gardens that offer two key things: a food source for their larvae, which are voracious aphid predators, and nectar-rich flowers to feed the adult flies, providing them with the energy they need to reproduce and sustain themselves.

Adult hoverflies, often mistaken for small bees or wasps due to their yellow and black stripes, rely on nectar and pollen as their main food source. They are particularly drawn to flowers with easily accessible nectar, like those found in composite flowers (daisies, sunflowers), umbelliferous plants (dill, fennel, carrots when allowed to flower), and single-petaled blooms. By planting a diverse range of these flowers that bloom throughout the growing season, you effectively create a welcoming buffet for these beneficial insects. However, the real draw for hoverflies, from a gardener's perspective, is the presence of aphids. Hoverfly larvae are incredibly effective aphid predators. An aphid infestation acts like a beacon, signaling a plentiful food source for the developing hoverfly larvae. The adult hoverflies seek out these aphid colonies to lay their eggs, ensuring that their offspring have immediate access to sustenance. So, if you have aphids, chances are, you'll attract hoverflies. Introducing plants prone to aphids or simply tolerating a small aphid population (before it becomes a serious infestation) can indirectly encourage hoverflies to take up residence in your garden.

Are hoverflies harmful, or just annoying?

Hoverflies are generally neither harmful nor just annoying; they are actually beneficial insects. While large numbers buzzing around might be mildly irritating, adult hoverflies are important pollinators, and their larvae are voracious predators of aphids and other soft-bodied pests.

The adult hoverflies feed on nectar and pollen, making them effective pollinators of flowers, vegetables, and fruit crops. Their appearance often mimics wasps or bees, which helps protect them from predators. They are drawn to gardens with a variety of flowering plants, providing an essential service by transferring pollen from flower to flower.

More significantly, many hoverfly species in their larval stage are aphid predators. A single hoverfly larva can consume a large number of aphids during its development, making them a natural form of pest control. Encouraging hoverflies in your garden is a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to manage aphid infestations. Therefore, rather than eliminating them, gardeners should focus on attracting and supporting hoverfly populations.

If you find the sheer number of hoverflies overwhelming, the best approach is not eradication but rather management through:

What are natural predators of hoverflies I can encourage?

Encouraging natural predators is a sustainable and effective way to manage hoverfly populations. Attract birds, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to your garden as they all prey on hoverflies in their various life stages. Provide suitable habitats and food sources to support these beneficial insects and birds.

Many birds, especially insectivorous varieties, readily consume adult hoverflies. Providing bird feeders, bird baths, and nesting boxes will encourage birds to frequent your garden and naturally control the hoverfly population. Lacewing larvae are voracious predators of aphids, but they also eat hoverfly larvae. Adult lacewings can be attracted by planting nectar-rich flowers like dill, fennel, and yarrow, which provide them with food. Parasitic wasps are another excellent biological control agent. These tiny wasps lay their eggs inside hoverfly larvae, eventually killing them. To attract parasitic wasps, plant flowering herbs like parsley, coriander, and Queen Anne's lace. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides, as they can harm these beneficial predators and disrupt the natural balance in your garden ecosystem, potentially leading to more pest problems in the long run. Instead, focus on creating a diverse and thriving habitat that supports a healthy predator-prey relationship.

Will removing aphids get rid of hoverflies?

Yes, indirectly. Removing aphids, which are a primary food source for hoverfly larvae, will likely cause hoverflies to seek out alternative food sources or relocate to areas with more abundant aphid populations. Therefore, a significant reduction in aphids will eventually lead to a reduction in hoverfly presence, especially if there are no other food sources available for the larvae.

Hoverflies, in their adult stage, feed on nectar and pollen, playing a vital role as pollinators. However, their larvae are voracious predators, with many species specializing in consuming aphids. The presence of a large hoverfly population often indicates a plentiful aphid infestation. When you eliminate the aphids using various methods, the hoverfly larvae will essentially starve. This natural consequence will drive them away as they mature or prevent new hoverflies from laying eggs in the area. It's important to remember that hoverflies are beneficial insects overall, so consider the impact of aphid removal on the entire ecosystem. If possible, try to implement targeted aphid control measures rather than broad-spectrum insecticides, which can harm beneficial insects like hoverflies and other pollinators. Sustainable strategies that encourage a balanced ecosystem might be preferable in the long run, accepting a small aphid population in order to continue attracting hoverflies for natural pest control.

What's the best homemade spray to deter hoverflies?

While deterring hoverflies entirely isn't usually the goal (as they're beneficial pollinators and their larvae eat aphids), a simple soap and water spray is often the best homemade option if you need to temporarily discourage them from a specific area. Mix a mild liquid soap (like castile soap) with water at a ratio of 1-2 teaspoons per quart of water. This solution disrupts their scent trails and makes plants less attractive, without harming them.

Hoverflies are generally welcome in gardens because they are pollinators in their adult stage, and their larvae are voracious predators of aphids and other soft-bodied pests. Therefore, complete eradication is counterproductive. However, if you're dealing with an overwhelming number of hoverflies congregating in a particular spot, especially if it's due to a heavy aphid infestation you're separately treating, the soap spray can offer a temporary reprieve. The soap acts as a surfactant, interfering with the insects' ability to cling to the plants and masking the scent cues that attract them. Remember to spray in the early morning or late evening to avoid scorching the leaves in direct sunlight. Also, test the solution on a small area of the plant first to ensure it doesn't cause any adverse reactions. Reapply the spray as needed, especially after rain. It's essential to manage the underlying cause of attraction—usually aphid populations—to prevent hoverflies from returning in large numbers. Consider introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, or using horticultural oil to address aphid problems directly.

How can I prevent hoverflies from entering my house?

The best way to prevent hoverflies from entering your house is to physically block their access points by sealing cracks and openings, using screens on windows and doors, and reducing attractants inside and outside your home.

Sealing potential entry points is crucial. Inspect your home's exterior for any cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes or wiring, and spaces around window and door frames. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these openings. Damaged window or door screens should be repaired or replaced promptly. A tightly sealed home makes it far more difficult for hoverflies and other insects to find their way inside. Hoverflies are often attracted to flowering plants and sweet substances, especially if they are looking for somewhere to lay their eggs (as some species use aphids found on plants as food for their larvae). Avoid having overripe fruit sitting out, clean up spills immediately, and keep garbage cans tightly sealed. Outside, consider planting less attractive vegetation near entryways or moving flowering plants further away from your house. Regularly cleaning gutters and removing standing water can also eliminate breeding grounds for other insects that might attract hoverflies.

And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, these tips have helped you reclaim your garden from those pesky hoverflies (or at least learn to live in harmony with them!). Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more helpful gardening advice soon. Happy growing!