How to Get Rid of Hoverflies – 7 Easy and Natural Methods

Hoverflies, also known as syrphid flies, are common garden pests that are attracted to flower nectar. They are also known as flower flies or corn flies. These small flies are often seen hovering around flowers or flying in a zig-zag pattern. While they are not known to bite or sting, hoverflies can be a nuisance. If you are looking for ways to get rid of hoverflies, there are several easy and natural methods that you can try.

A bee sits on a flower.

What are Hover Flies?

Hoverflies are one of the most annoying insects that can invade your home. They are small, black and yellow flies that are attracted to sweet-smelling substances. They are often seen hovering around flowers or fruit. Hoverflies are not dangerous and do not bite or sting, but their constant presence can be very annoying.

Why are there Hoverflies on Your Patio?

Most people are familiar with the common housefly, but fewer know about its close relative, the hoverfly. Hoverflies are often mistaken for bees or wasps due to their similar appearance, but they are actually much harmless. In fact, the common species of hoverflies are beneficial to gardens because they pollinate plants and help control garden pests.

Hoverfly sitting on a branch.

So, why are hoverflies attracted to gardens? Hoverflies are drawn to gardens for the same reasons that other insects are: they are looking for food and shelter. Flowering plants are a major source of food for them, as they feed on nectar and pollen. Gardens also provide a safe place for hoverflies to lay their eggs, which hatch into larvae that help control garden pests like aphids.

If you’re concerned about hoverflies in your garden, there are a few things you can do to discourage them. Keep your garden clean and free of debris, as hoverflies are attracted to decaying matter. You can also plant certain plants that repel hoverflies, such as marigolds, garlic, and mint. Finally, you can use traps or pesticides to catch or kill hoverflies, but be sure to use products that are safe for bees and other beneficial insects.

A fly is perched on a leaf.

The Benefits of Having Hoverflies.

They may not be the most popular insects out there, but hoverflies are also beneficial to have around! Here are 7 reasons why you should reconsider getting rid of hoverflies:

  1. They help pollinate plants and flowers
  2. They are excellent at controlling pests like aphids and whiteflies
  3. They are a valuable food source for other animals
  4. They are fascinating to watch and study
  5. They help to keep the ecosystem in balance
  6. They are generally harmless to humans
  7. They are not difficult to control if they become a nuisance

So there you have it! Hoverflies may not be everyone’s favorite insects, but there are actually many good reasons to keep them around.

A hoverfly is perched on a pink flower.

The 7 Natural and Effective Ways to Get Rid of Hover Flies.

If you’re looking for some easy and natural methods to rid your garden of hoverflies, look no further! Here are 7 great ways to rid yourself of these pesky insects:

Try Different Types of Fly Traps the Attract Hoverflies

There are a variety of traps available that can be effective in catching and killing these nuisance insects. Some traps use bait to attract the flies, while others rely on light or heat to lure them in. You can find fly traps at most hardware or home improvement stores.

Plant hoverfly-repelling plants.

Another option is to plant hoverfly-repelling plants. Some good options include marigolds, lavender, citronella, and eucalyptus. You can also try making a homemade hoverfly trap using a jar, some fruit, and some sugar water. Finally, you can try using a commercial hoverfly spray or lure.

Make Your Own Hoverfly Repellent Spray

You can also try to make your own hoverfly repellent spray. This can be done by mixing equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, and adding a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, citronella, or lavender work well). This mixture can be sprayed around the perimeter of your home, or wherever you see hoverflies fly around.

Two black and yellow wasps are sitting on a glass, while seeking ways to eliminate hoverflies.

Create a soapy water solution.

Anonther way to deal with hoverflies is to create a soapy water solution. Hoverflies are attracted to the sweetness of the soap, but the soap will kill them. To make the solution, mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a container. Then, set the container out where you’ve seen the hoverflies. The flies will be drawn to the soap and will drown in the water.

Use Nematode Worms to Get Rid of Hoverflies

Nematode worms are a great discourage of hoverflies. These tiny creatures are parasitic and will kill any hoverfly that they come into contact with. You can purchase them online or at your local garden center.

Diatomaceous Earth is Another Way to Get Rid of Hover Flies

Diatomaceous earth is a great method to combat of hoverflies naturally. This powder is made from the fossilized remains of tiny algae and is a great option for those looking for an organic solution. Simply apply the powder around your home, garden, or wherever you see hoverflies and they will soon be gone!

A ladybug is perched on a piece of wood.

Try Beneficial Insects.

Try beneficial insects. Ladybugs, for example, are great predators of hoverflies. You can purchase ladybugs from your local garden center or online and release them into your garden. Other beneficial predators of hoverflies include green lacewings, ground beetles, and parasitic wasps.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is also a natural repellant of hoverflies. Just add a little to a spray bottle and spritz away. The vinegar will kill the flies and keep them from coming back.

Simply pour some vinegar into a bowl or container and place it where you’ve seen the most hoverfly activity. The insects will be attracted to the vinegar and will drown in it. You can also add a little dish soap to the vinegar to help break down the flies’ bodies.

A bottle of black cumin oil placed next to a bowl of green leaves for effective hoverfly control.

Neem Oil Spray Will Repel Hoverflies

Neem oil spray is also a great option. This type of spray is a natural repellent made from the neem tree, which is native to India. The oil has a strong smell that hoverflies find unpleasant.

You can also make your own neem oil spray. Simply mix together some neem oil and water in a spray bottle and spritz away.

How can I Prevent Hoverflies From Coming Back to my Patio?

There are a few things you can keep hoverflies away and prevent them from returning to your home or garden. Here are seven easy and natural methods:

  1. Keep your garden free of debris and standing water. Hoverflies are attracted to both of these things and will lay their eggs in them.
  2. Plant certain herbs and flowers that hoverflies don’t like. These include basil, lavender, marigolds, and mint.
  3. Use yellow sticky traps to catch hoverflies. You can purchase these traps at most hardware stores.
  4. Make a homemade trap using a jar or soda bottle. Cut a hole in the top, cover it with plastic wrap, and secure it with a rubber band. Then, add a little bit of fruit juice or honey to the bottom of the trap.
  5. Use a commercial insecticide that is specifically designed to kill hoverflies. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.
  6. Try a natural insecticide such as Neem oil. This is derived from the Neem tree and is safe to use around children and pets.
  7. If all else fails, you can try an electric fly zapper
A bee is hovering near a yellow flower.

Wrapping Up these Effective Ways to Get Rid of these Flying Bugs

As you can see, there are a few different ways that you can fix your hoverfly problem, and each method has its own set of pros and cons. Some methods are more effective than others, and some methods are more natural than others. Ultimately, the best method depends on your specific situation.

If you have a hoverfly problem, the best thing to do is to try out a few different methods and see what works best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all solution , so you’ll need to experiment a bit to find the right method for your situation.

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