Hover flies, often mistaken for bees or wasps due to their yellow and black stripes and buzzing flight, can become unwelcome guests around homes and gardens. While they are beneficial pollinators and predators of aphids, their sheer numbers can sometimes be overwhelming. If you’re looking for effective strategies, this guide will explain How To Get Rid Of Hover Flies and prevent them from returning.
Identifying Hover Flies: Are They Really the Problem?
Before tackling control methods, it’s crucial to correctly identify hover flies. Often confused with bees or wasps, hover flies are distinct and harmless.
These insects typically measure between 1/8 to 1 inch (4–25 mm) in length, displaying characteristic black and yellow stripes on their abdomen. Their large heads feature prominent eyes, and they possess transparent wings marked with dark veins. A key identifying trait is their unique hovering flight pattern, which is how they earned their name.
It’s important to remember that hover flies are beneficial insects. They are significant pollinators, contributing to the health of gardens and crops. Furthermore, their larvae are voracious predators of aphids and other garden pests, making them natural allies in pest control. However, when their populations boom, they can become a nuisance, warranting control measures.
Effective Methods to Get Rid of Hover Flies
When hover fly populations become excessive, several methods can be employed to manage them effectively. These approaches range from simple traps to natural deterrents.
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Utilize Fly Traps: Fly traps are a practical solution for capturing and eliminating hover flies. These traps come in various designs, some using bait to lure flies, while others employ light or heat attractants. Commercially available fly traps are readily found at hardware stores and garden centers. Strategically placing these traps in areas with high hover fly activity can significantly reduce their numbers.
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Plant Hoverfly-Repelling Plants: A natural and aesthetically pleasing approach is to incorporate plants that naturally repel hover flies into your garden or outdoor spaces. Certain plants emit scents that hover flies find unappealing. Excellent choices include citronella grass, eucalyptus, marigolds, and lavender. Planting these around patios, doorways, and gardens can create a natural barrier against hover flies.
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Create a Homemade Repellent Spray: You can easily formulate an effective hover fly repellent spray using common household ingredients. A simple recipe involves mixing equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. To enhance its repellent properties, add a few drops of essential oils known to deter insects, such as lavender, citronella, or eucalyptus oil. This homemade spray can be applied to areas where hover flies are prevalent, such as around windows, doors, and outdoor furniture.
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Introduce Nematode Worms: Nematode worms offer a biological control method for managing hover flies. These microscopic parasites are natural enemies of hover flies and other insects. Nematodes work by parasitizing and killing hover fly larvae in the soil. They are a safe and environmentally friendly option, available at garden centers and online retailers. Applying nematode worms to garden soil, particularly in areas prone to hover fly breeding, can help reduce future generations.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Traps: Beyond a repellent spray, apple cider vinegar can also be used to create effective traps. Pour apple cider vinegar into a shallow dish or jar. You can add a drop of dish soap to break the surface tension, causing trapped flies to sink. Place these vinegar traps in areas where hover flies are abundant. The scent of the vinegar attracts the flies, and the trap effectively captures and eliminates them.
Fly Trap for Hoverflies
Conclusion
Managing hover flies requires understanding their behavior and employing appropriate control methods. While they are beneficial insects in moderation, excessive numbers can be bothersome. By implementing these strategies, from simple traps to natural repellents and biological controls, you can effectively reduce hover fly populations around your home and garden, maintaining a comfortable and balanced outdoor environment. Remember to prioritize methods that are environmentally friendly and target hover flies specifically, minimizing impact on other beneficial insects and the ecosystem.
