Hover flies (family Syrphidae), also called flower flies or syrphid flies, are a large and diverse family of flies that are masters of mimicry — many species closely resemble bees, wasps, or hornets with yellow and black banding, but they are completely harmless and cannot sting. They are distinguished from bees and wasps by their ability to hover motionless in mid-air, their single pair of wings, and their large compound eyes. Hover flies are among the most important pollinators in Arizona, second only to bees in many ecosystems. Adults feed on nectar and pollen at flowers. Their larvae are ecologically diverse — some species are voracious predators of aphids and other soft-bodied insects (making them excellent biological control agents), while others feed on decaying organic matter in water or soil. Hover flies are not pests and are entirely beneficial in Arizona gardens and agricultural settings.
👁Warning Signs
Bee or wasp-like flies hovering motionless at flowers or in sunny spots. Yellow and black banded flies that cannot sting. Larvae (rat-tailed maggots) in stagnant water or decaying organic matter.
⚠Health & Property Risks
No risk. Cannot sting or bite. Entirely beneficial as pollinators and aphid predators.
Prevention Tips
No prevention needed — hover flies are highly beneficial.
🛡Professional Treatment
No treatment warranted. Hover flies are important pollinators and biological control agents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Hover Fly
The Hover Fly (Syrphidae (various)) is variable — many species mimic bees/wasps with yellow and black banding and typically measures ¼–¾ inch. Hover flies (family Syrphidae), also called flower flies or syrphid flies, are a large and diverse family of flies that are masters of mimicry — many species closely resemble bees, wasps, or hornets w.
The Hover Fly is generally low-risk, but caution is still advised. No risk. Cannot sting or bite. Entirely beneficial as pollinators and aphid predators.
In Arizona, hover flys are most often encountered in the following situations: Bee or wasp-like flies hovering motionless at flowers or in sunny spots. Yellow and black banded flies that cannot sting. Larvae (rat-tailed maggots) in stagnant water or decaying organic matter.
The Hover Fly is most active during: Year-round in Arizona; most abundant spring through fall. Arizona's warm desert climate can extend activity periods compared to other states, so year-round vigilance is recommended in the Phoenix metro and surrounding areas.
No prevention needed — hover flies are highly beneficial.
No treatment warranted. Hover flies are important pollinators and biological control agents.
Most fly species are drawn to food sources, moisture, organic waste, and breeding sites. For Hover Flys specifically: Bee or wasp-like flies hovering motionless at flowers or in sunny spots. Yellow and black banded flies that cannot sting. Larvae (rat-tailed maggots) in stagnant water or decaying organic matter.. Eliminating attractants is the first step — Pest Control Bros can identify the source and recommend targeted control.
Dealing with Hover Fly?
Pest Control Bros LLC serves Maricopa, Chandler, Casa Grande, Tempe, Gilbert, and Mesa. No contracts. Free inspections. Same-week service.
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