How to Get Rid of Hoverflies: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

How do you get rid of hoverflies? Hoverflies are a common sight in gardens and in the house. They look very similar to bees and wasps. Hoverflies play an important role in pollinating plants and controlling pest populations. We will discuss how to get rid of hoverflies.

Understanding Hoverflies

Physical Characteristics: Hoverflies are also known as flower flies or syrphid flies. They belong to the family Syrphidae. There are over 6,000 species of hoverflies worldwide. They have different colors and patterns. Most hoverflies have a slender body with two clear wings and large compound eyes.

Identifying Hoverflies: They resemble those of bees or wasps, but without the stinger. Hoverflies are also smaller than bees and wasps with a length range from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch. They have slender bodies with black, yellow or black, white markings. Some species may be completely black or have different color patterns.

One way to identify hoverflies is by their flight pattern. They tend to hover in one spot before moving quickly to another location. Bees and wasps fly in a more direct path. In addition, hoverflies do not have a narrow "waist" like bees or wasps do. They also have shorter antennae compared to other flying insects.

Life Cycle and Habits: Hoverflies go through four distinct stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult hoverflies can lay hundreds of eggs on leaves or stems near aphid-infested plants.

The eggs hatch into tiny larvae which feed on small insects. For example, aphids, thrips and mites. These larvae are beneficial predators and can control pest populations. This reduces the need for pesticides.

The hoverfly larvae will go through the pupal stage after a few weeks of feeding. They remain dormant for several days before emerging as adult hoverflies. Adult hoverflies live for only a few weeks.

Ecological Benefits: Hoverflies play an important role in pollination. As they move from flower to flower, they transfer pollen grains. This aids in the reproduction of plants.

How to Get Rid of Hover Flies?

Companion Planting: You can through companion planting to get rid of hovering flies outside. The strong scent and essential oils produced by some plants can act as natural repellents for hoverflies. You can use some plants for companion planting to repel hoverflies, including: lavender, marigold, nasturtiums, basil.

You can grow these plants near susceptible plants or vegetables to keep hover flies away. Creating a diverse and balanced ecosystem in your garden can also attract other natural predators that feed on hoverflies. For example, birds and spiders.

Beneficial Plants and Flowers: Finally, planting certain beneficial plants and flowers can help to deter hoverflies. For example, chives and rosemary. These plants have a strong scent that repels hoverflies. This makes them less likely to lay their eggs in your garden.

These natural methods may not completely eliminate hoverflies from your garden. But they can significantly reduce their populations and keep them under control. It may also take time for these methods to show results. So patience is important.

How to Get Rid of Hover Flies on Patio?

White Vinegar Spray: Simply mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well before use. Spray the mixture on areas where you have seen hoverflies or on plants that are being attacked. This solution is safe to use around pets and children. So it is an ideal homemade repellent.

Citrus Peels: Hoverflies are also repelled by the scent of citrus fruits. For example, lemons, limes and oranges. You can place citrus peels in areas where hoverflies are present. You can also rub the peels directly on plants that are being attacked.

You can boil citrus peels in water for 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool. Transfer it to a spray bottle. Apply this solution directly on plants or spray in areas where hover fly infestation in house.

Garlic Spray: Garlic is known for its pungent scent. It can also repel hovering flies on patio. You can crush several cloves of garlic and mix it with water. Sit the mixture for at least 24 hours. Then, strain and transfer it to a spray bottle. This solution can be sprayed directly on plants or in areas where hover fly infestation.

For maximum effectiveness, reapply these homemade repellents every few days. Especially after rain or watering your plants. Focus on areas where hoverflies may lay their eggs. For example, damp soil or decaying organic matter. These are ideal breeding grounds for hoverflies. Eliminating them can reduce the number of hoverfly adults.

Chemical-Free Solutions

Neem Oil: Neem oil is derived from the neem tree. It works by disrupting the hormonal systems of insects. This makes hover flies difficult to lay eggs and reproduce. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of neem oil with a gallon of water. Spray it on your plants every 7-14 days. Reapply neem oil after heavy rainfall or if you notice a resurgence of hoverflies.

Insecticidal Soap: You can also use insecticidal soap to get rid of hovering bees. It works by suffocating the insects and disrupting their cell membranes. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of liquid soap with a gallon of water. For example, Castile soap. Spray this solution on your plants. Reapply every 7-10 days or after heavy rainfall.

Physical Barriers: This involves using materials such as row covers or netting to physically block the hoverflies from reaching your plants. When using this method, make sure the barriers are properly secured and there are no gaps where hoverflies can enter. Also, remove the barriers when your plants need pollination from bees or other beneficial insects.

Creating a Hoverfly Trap: You need a plastic bottle, a sharp object and some bait. For example, honey or sugar water. Cut off the top half of the plastic bottle and flip it over. Place some bait at the bottom and place the funnel on top. The narrow end pointing down into the bottle. Poke small holes around the sides of the bottle to allow the hoverflies to enter.

Proper Sanitation: Prune any dead or damaged leaves, branches, or stems from your plants. Regularly remove any fallen leaves, fruits, or debris to keep your garden clean and tidy. These can attract hoverflies and other pests.

Keep your garden free of weeds, as they can also attract hoverflies. Use mulch or other ground coverings to suppress weed growth. Avoid overwatering your plants, as moist soil is a breeding ground for hoverflies. Water only when necessary and try to water early in the morning. So that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hoverflies bite?

Hoverflies often mistake bees or wasps due to their colorful appearance. Unlike bees and wasps, most hoverflies do not have the ability to sting or bite.

Where do hoverflies nest?

The most common nesting habitats include meadows, wooded areas and even gardens. Hoverflies may also use existing structures to build their nests. For example, hollow stems, leaf litter, or even small cavities in trees or buildings.

What does a hoverfly nest look like?

In terms of appearance, hoverfly nests can be easily mistaken for ant or wasp nests. They are generally dome-shaped and made of a combination of grass, twigs, and plant fibers held together. Some species of hoverflies also use their saliva to create a waterproof lining for their nests, providing insulation for the larvae during colder weather.

What attracts hoverflies?

What plants attract hoverflies? One of the main things that hoverflies are drawn to is nectar-rich flowers. Good examples include wild carrot or Queen Anne's lace, wild mustard, sweet alyssum, coriander, dill, and other small-flowered herbs.

Hoverflies are also drawn to bright colors. For example, yellow, orange and white. Interestingly, hoverflies are also drawn to the scent of other insects. For example, aphids and mites. This is beneficial for farmers and gardeners as hoverflies can help control pest populations.

Conclusion

How to repel hoverflies? We have discussed the various methods for getting rid of hoverflies in your garden. These small insects can be both beneficial and harmful to our plants. This depends on their population size.