Flies buzzing around your garden can be annoying. While adult flies can be a nuisance, their larvae are more problematic. These pests can infest soil, feed on plants, and hinder the health of your plants. We’ve made a list of tips to help keep flies out of your garden.
Check for Flies
Catching a pest problem early can help save your plants. It’s important to check for adult flies, larvae, and eggs. Adult flies are likely to be seen flying around plants. Larvae and eggs are usually found in soil, and fruit fly eggs are laid on the skin of overripe produce. You’ll also want to check for signs of their activity. Leafminers, which include the larvae of several fly species, live in and feed on the leaves of plants. This often creates white lines or patches.
Keep Garden & Yard Clean
A clean yard and garden can help keep flies away. Remove overripe or fallen produce from your garden to help prevent fruit flies. Fungus gnats like to lay eggs in organic matter. Picking up any leaves or flowers that fall off plants can deter these pests from hanging out in your garden. You’ll also want to clean up trash that could attract adult flies.
Don’t Overwater Plants
Plants need water to survive, but too much moisture can cause problems. Flies are attracted to moisture, and fungus gnats thrive in damp soil. When watering your garden, avoid overwatering your plants. It’s best to leave the top layer of soil dry. This will help keep the soil from becoming too wet and attracting pests.
Cover Your Plants
Physical barriers can help keep flies out of your garden. One option to consider is a row cover. Row covers sit on top of your plants. These screens are thin enough to allow light and moisture to reach your plants, but they will still keep pests away from them. Row covers can be purchased or you can try building your own cover.
Plant Fly-Repelling Plants
Some plants have fragrances that naturally repel pests. Adding a few bug-repelling plants to your garden can help keep flies away. Basil, rosemary, lavender, and mint are said to drive flies crazy. Having a variety of plants can also help to deter other hungry bugs from invading your garden.
Use a Plant-Based Insecticide Spray
Plant-based insecticide sprays can help keep pests from bugging you. Our Flying Insect Killer kills flies and other flying insects on contact. It also provides residual repellency, which acts as a barrier helping to keep pests away. You can also spray your plants with our 3-in-1 Garden Spray. It helps to prevent and control insects, mites, and fungal diseases that attack plants.
If you want to keep your garden healthy, you have to keep harmful pests away. Thankfully, there are things you can do to protect your plants. If flies are bugging you, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.