Hover flies, often mistaken for bees or wasps due to their striped appearance, are actually harmless insects that play an essential role in pollination. However, their constant hovering can become a nuisance, especially during outdoor gatherings or while working in the garden. Understanding how to get rid of hover flies effectively without harming the environment is key to maintaining a peaceful outdoor experience.
In this article, we will explore five easy and effective solutions to help you learn how to get rid of hover flies, keeping your outdoor space fly-free and enjoyable.
Understanding Hover Flies
Before diving into how to get rid of hover flies, it’s important to know why they frequent certain areas. Hover flies are attracted to flowers and plants because they feed on nectar. They also seek moist and sweet-smelling surfaces. Though these insects help pollinate plants, their hovering behavior can be quite annoying when they appear in large numbers around patios, gardens, or even homes.
1. Planting Hover Fly-Repelling Plants
One of the most natural ways to get rid of hover flies is by strategically planting herbs and flowers that repel them. Plants like lavender, marigolds, and mint are known to keep hover flies away due to their strong scent, which these insects dislike. Incorporating these plants into your garden can reduce hover fly numbers without the need for harmful chemicals.
How it Works:
- Lavender: Emits a calming aroma for humans but acts as a natural repellent for hover flies.
- Marigolds: Their pungent scent drives hover flies away from outdoor areas.
- Mint: The strong smell of mint acts as a deterrent, keeping hover flies at bay.
By integrating these plants into your garden, you can create a hover fly-free zone, and knowing how to get rid of hover flies using plants makes for a safe, eco-friendly solution.
2. Essential Oils as a Repellent
Essential oils are another natural and highly effective way to get rid of hover flies. Oils such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citronella can repel these insects due to their intense smell. Simply mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it around areas where hover flies are commonly seen, such as patios, garden furniture, or entryways.
Steps to Use Essential Oils:
- Combine 10-15 drops of your preferred essential oil with one cup of water.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture around the perimeter of your home or in areas where hover flies are a problem.
This method is not only a non-toxic way to get rid of hover flies but also leaves a pleasant fragrance in your outdoor spaces.
3. Homemade Vinegar Traps
Another simple yet effective way to get rid of hover flies is by using homemade vinegar traps. These traps attract hover flies with the smell of vinegar, trapping them and reducing their presence in your yard or garden. Here’s how to make a vinegar trap:
Materials Needed:
- A small container
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dish soap
Instructions:
- Fill the container halfway with apple cider vinegar.
- Add a few drops of dish soap (this breaks the surface tension and traps the flies).
- Place the trap in areas where hover flies are most active.
Vinegar traps are a chemical-free solution, making them one of the best methods on how to get rid of hover flies without harming the environment.
4. Use a Fan to Disrupt Their Flight Patterns
Hover flies are light and agile fliers, but strong air currents can prevent them from hovering around certain areas. Using a fan on your patio or outdoor space can effectively deter hover flies from lingering. This is an excellent method for those who want an immediate, non-chemical solution to keep these insects away during outdoor events.
Why It Works: Hover flies rely on their ability to hover, and strong winds or air currents disrupt their flight patterns. By placing a fan in strategic locations, you can create an environment that’s too windy for them to navigate, thus forcing them to leave the area.
This technique is not only effective but also shows how to get rid of hover flies without using any form of repellents or traps, making it a temporary but practical solution.
5. Maintain a Clean Outdoor Space
Hover flies are attracted to sweet smells and food sources, so keeping your outdoor area clean can significantly reduce their presence. Avoid leaving sugary drinks, open garbage, or decaying plant matter exposed, as these can attract hover flies. Wiping down surfaces and regularly disposing of food waste is one of the easiest ways to keep hover flies at bay.
Tips for a Clean Outdoor Area:
- Clean up food and drink spills immediately.
- Keep garbage cans tightly sealed.
- Regularly clean bird feeders and bird baths, as they can also attract hover flies.
Maintaining a tidy garden or patio helps in the long term and is another essential step in learning how to get rid of hover flies effectively.
Conclusion
Hover flies may play an important role in pollination, but they can quickly become a nuisance when they invade outdoor spaces. By understanding how to get rid of hover flies using natural and effective methods, such as planting repelling plants, using essential oils, creating vinegar traps, disrupting their flight patterns with fans, and maintaining a clean environment, you can enjoy your garden or patio without the constant presence of these insects.
Whether you opt for natural repellents like plants and essential oils, or prefer mechanical solutions like fans and traps, learning how to get rid of hover flies doesn’t have to be complicated. By implementing these easy and effective solutions, you can reclaim your outdoor space and keep hover flies away for good.
Questions & Answers (Q&A)
Q1: Are hover flies harmful to humans? A1: No, hover flies are not harmful to humans. They do not bite or sting and are beneficial for pollination. However, they can be a nuisance due to their hovering behavior.
Q2: Can hover flies damage plants? A2: Hover flies do not damage plants. In fact, they contribute to pollination, making them helpful in small numbers.
Q3: How long does it take for a vinegar trap to work? A3: Vinegar traps can start attracting hover flies within a few hours. For best results, place the traps in high-activity areas and check them daily.
Q4: Do essential oils work on all types of flies? A4: Essential oils like peppermint and citronella can repel many types of flies, including hover flies. However, some species may require additional methods for control.
Q5: Is it necessary to kill hover flies to get rid of them? A5: No, it’s not necessary to kill hover flies. Repelling them or using non-lethal traps is sufficient to manage their presence in your outdoor space.
References
- “How to Get Rid of Hover Flies in the Garden.” Gardener’s Path. https://gardenerspath.com
- “Using Essential Oils to Repel Flies.” Pest Control Tips. https://pestcontroltips.com
- “DIY Vinegar Traps for Flies.” The Gardening Blog. https://thegardeningblog.com
This article covers multiple natural and practical ways on how to get rid of hover flies whi