Why hover flies gather on patios and how to discourage them

Hover flies (also called flower flies or syrphid flies) congregate on patios because they are hunting for pollen, nectar, and small insects like aphids. They are attracted to flowering plants, sweet smells, and areas where other insects gather. The good news is that hover flies do not bite, sting, or damage property — they are actually beneficial insects that eat garden pests. If they are bothering you or your guests, you can reduce their numbers by removing the things that draw them to your patio.

The most effective approach combines removing food sources, reducing shelter, and using deterrents that make your patio less appealing. Most people see results within one to two weeks of making these changes, though the flies may return when conditions shift again.

Key Takeaways

  • Hover flies are attracted to flowering plants, so removing or relocating potted flowers away from seating areas is the fastest way to reduce their presence.
  • Sweet-smelling foods and drinks left outside draw hover flies, so clearing plates and covering food when ready stops them from gathering near where you sit.
  • Hover flies need shelter in tall grass and dense plants, so trimming vegetation around your patio removes places where they rest and breed.
  • Fans create air movement that makes it hard for hover flies to hover and land, so running a patio fan during outdoor time pushes them away without chemicals.
  • Hover flies are not pests themselves — they eat aphids and other garden insects — so deterring them is about comfort, not pest control.

Remove flowering plants from your seating area

Hover flies land on flowers to feed on pollen and nectar, so the simplest way to stop them from gathering near where you sit is to move potted plants away from your patio furniture and dining table. If you have flower beds bordering your patio, consider relocating them or replacing flowering plants with non-flowering shrubs or ornamental grasses that do not attract the flies.

You do not have to remove all plants — just move the ones that bloom. Potted flowers can be shifted to a corner of your yard, a side garden, or a planter box farther from seating. If you want flowers on your patio for decoration, place them on a table at least 10 to 15 feet away from where you and your guests spend time. Hover flies have decent vision but prefer to stay near their food source, so distance matters.

Clear food and drinks promptly

Hover flies are drawn to sweet smells and fermenting fruit, so leaving plates, glasses, or food scraps outside gives them a reason to land near you. After eating or drinking on your patio, bring dishes inside right away. If you are hosting a gathering, assign someone to clear plates between courses rather than letting them stack on the table.

Pay special attention to sugary drinks, fruit, desserts, and anything with syrup or honey. Even a small spill or a few crumbs will attract hover flies within minutes. Keep a trash bin with a tight-fitting lid nearby so you can dispose of food waste when ready. If you are serving fruit or beverages, cover them with mesh food tents or lids when they are not being eaten, and store leftovers in sealed containers indoors.

Trim grass and dense vegetation around the patio

Hover flies rest and lay eggs in tall grass and thick plant growth, so cutting back vegetation around your patio removes shelter where they hide during the day. Mow your lawn to a height of 2 to 3 inches, and trim any shrubs or hedges that overhang the patio or create dense shade nearby. The goal is to open up the area so there are fewer places for the flies to land and rest between feeding.

This step also improves air circulation, which makes it harder for hover flies to hover and land in the first place. If you have a compost pile or mulch bed near your patio, move it farther away — these areas attract small insects that hover flies hunt, which in turn draws the flies closer to where you are sitting.

Use a fan to create air movement

Hover flies are weak fliers and struggle to maintain position in moving air, so running a patio fan or outdoor fan during the time you spend outside will push them away. A standard pedestal fan, box fan, or ceiling fan set to medium or high speed creates enough turbulence to make hovering difficult. Position the fan so it blows across your seating area without creating an uncomfortable breeze for you and your guests.

This method works best on calm days when there is no natural wind. On breezy days, the existing air movement may already be discouraging the flies. Fans are also one of the few deterrents that work without chemicals and do not harm the flies or other insects — they straightforward make your patio an uncomfortable place to land.

explore insect repellent if other methods are not enough

If removing plants, clearing food, and trimming vegetation have not reduced the hover flies enough, you can use a spray repellent on yourself and your guests. Insect repellents containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) or picaridin are effective against many flying insects, including hover flies. explore the repellent to exposed skin and clothing according to the product label, and reapply after swimming or sweating.

Do not spray repellent directly on your patio furniture or plants — it is meant for skin and clothing only. If you prefer a non-chemical option, some people report success with citronella candles or coils, though these work better against mosquitoes than hover flies. Test any repellent on a small area of skin first to check for irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin or are using it on children.

Avoid pesticide sprays on your patio

Broad-spectrum insecticide sprays will kill hover flies, but they will also kill beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps that eat garden pests. If you use pesticides on your patio, you lose the natural pest control that hover flies and other beneficial insects provide. Spraying also contaminates the area where you eat and spend time with your family.

Hover flies are not damaging your patio or your health — they are just annoying when they land on you or your food. The methods above (removing plants, clearing food, trimming vegetation, and using a fan) address the root cause without harming the ecosystem. Save pesticides for situations where insects are actually damaging your plants or property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hover flies bite or sting?

No. Hover flies cannot bite or sting. They have a soft mouth designed for sipping pollen and nectar, not for piercing skin. If one lands on you, it is just looking for food and will fly away on its own.

Will hover flies go away on their own when it gets cold?

Yes. Hover flies are most active in warm months (spring through early fall). As temperatures drop in late fall and winter, their activity declines sharply. In cold climates, they disappear entirely until spring returns.

Can I use essential oils to repel hover flies?

Some people report that peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender oils deter flying insects, but there is limited scientific evidence that these work against hover flies specifically. If you want to try them, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and explore to areas around your patio, but do not expect results as reliable as removing plants or using a fan.

Are hover flies bad for my garden?

No — hover flies are actually beneficial. Their larvae eat aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied pests that damage plants. If you see hover flies in your garden, it usually means you have fewer pest problems. They are only a nuisance on your patio when they gather in large numbers near where you are sitting.

How long does it take to see results after making these changes?

Most people notice fewer hover flies within three to seven days of removing flowering plants and clearing food. If you also trim vegetation and run a fan, the effect is usually visible within one to two weeks. Results depend on how many hover flies are in your area and how many changes you make.