Finally, the hoverflies are here

cendoubleu · #1 (**permalink**) 29-07-2011, 05:35 PM

Finally I have hover-flies in the garden. I was wondering if I would get any this year, but the last couple of days of warmer weather have brought 'em out in force. Good job as the black flies have started to increase. Also I have a lot more ladybirds in the garden since the warmer weather came back. Hopefully these 2 will keep down the black flies and aphids etc. They have in other years.

Geoff F · #2 (**permalink**) 30-07-2011, 08:22 PM

I find jumping spiders (Salticidae) are good for aphids.

For several years I have been growing marigolds in my greenhouse and I haven't seen an aphid there since. I discovered a particularly tall variety of French Marigold called Jester which is perfect for the job; but I haven't seen them on sale for some time. I just save seeds from my plants every year.

cendoubleu · #3 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 07:10 AM

Geoff I wasnt aware that jumping spiders went for them as well. I had a severe case of black fly on my Amaranthus but yesterday the cavalry had arrived. The plants were covered, and I am not exaggerating, in ladybirds. I have never seen so many congregate on so few plants. So that should clear up the black fly problem. The ladybirds were also teeming on the runner beans which have also seen a mild influx of black fly. Aint Nature a wonderful thing; everything balances out eventually

cam606 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011, 02:14 PM

can anyone tell me why there are so many hoverflys about this year.

Madmills · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 08:53 AM

I've actually not ever noticed a decline.
This area, that i garden in, certainly, has them for a large part of the year and i'd say that they're the number one pollinator.

diggleken · #6 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cam606

can anyone tell me why there are so many hoverflys about this year.

This may help - and welcome to WAB!
Millions of Marmalades!
Cheers
Ken

Tringa · #7 (**permalink**) 19-08-2011, 07:49 PM

I haven't noticed any difference in the numbers of hoverflies.

I have spent quite a bit of time in the last 2/3 weeks trying to shepherd lots hoverflies out of our conservatory. Unfortunately as their eyesight is very good and their flying abilities are probably second only to dragonflies, most of the time I fail miserably.

Dave