Help with Flies In Garden

[turnblue]

I'm having some trouble with flies in my Garden when it's sunny. I'm hoping someone can help identify the fly type, and also how I can discourage them from coming to my garden.

Generally they just hover/fly around some staying low on the grass and others seem to stay around the leaves of a large tree I have.

When hovering they have two logs which hang down quite noticeably, it's body is very black and furry.

Earlier today there could have been about 50-100 of them floating around which makes it very unpleasant being in the garden, so any tips on how to move them on would be great.

[Jason Green]

Afternoon TB, and welcome to WAB!

This is a female St. Mark's Fly, Bibio marci. The singular individuals you'll be seeing are female, with the groups (or 'mating-clouds' as they are known) consist of the males.

You won't be able to stop them entering your garden. They are, however, anecdotally good pollinators of apple/fruit trees!

Take care,

Jason

[turnblue]

Thanks Jason - that definitely looks like the right answer!

Do you think if the tree or something else it diseased it may somehow attract them?

Don't seem to like the neighbours on either side, and other than 3 trees I don't actually have many plants in my garden. Also puzzling as they've not been an issue the last 3-4 summers, but it's hard to imagine having people round in the garden at the moment!

[Jason Green]

No, I doubt there'll be any rot attracting them! Just tell any friends you have round that it's a sign you're part of healthy local biodiversity.