Certain flowering shrubs produce odors that inadvertently attract common flies. If you are looking for bushes that attract flies, you might be dealing with a pest problem or perhaps you are trying to draw pollinators away from your patio. Either way, knowing which plants are the culprits is the first step to managing your outdoor space.
Flies are not usually picky eaters, but they are drawn to specific scents like rotting meat, decaying fruit, and strong sweet fragrances. Many ornamental bushes, unfortunately, mimic these smells to lure insects for pollination. This guide will help you identify these plants, understand why flies love them, and offer practical ways to reduce their presence in your yard.
Why Certain Bushes Attract Flies
Flies are primarily attracted to odors that signal food or a place to lay eggs. While bees and butterflies seek out nectar, flies often look for protein-rich substances or fermenting matter. Some bushes have evolved to exploit this behavior.
These plants often produce chemicals that smell like decaying organic material. This is a survival tactic. The fly visits the flower expecting a meal, and in the process, it picks up pollen and transfers it to other blooms. It is a clever trick, but it makes the garden smell less than pleasant for humans.
Common Fly-Attracting Scents
- Rotting Flesh: This odor is produced by plants like the carrion flower to attract blowflies and flesh flies.
- Fermented Fruit: Overripe or fermenting fruit smells attract fruit flies and vinegar flies.
- Strong Sweetness: Extremely sweet, cloying scents can attract house flies and bottle flies.
- Damp Decay: The smell of wet soil or rotting leaves draws fungus gnats and other small flies.
Understanding these scent profiles helps you identify which bushes might be causing the issue. If you have a plant that smells like garbage or spoiled meat when it blooms, it is likely a fly magnet.
Bushes That Attract Flies
Now, let us look at specific shrubs and bushes that are known to be fly magnets. You might be surprised by some of the common garden plants on this list. The key is to know what you are planting before you put it in the ground.
1. Hawthorn (Crataegus)
Hawthorn bushes are popular for their spring blossoms and fall berries. However, the white flowers produce a chemical called trimethylamine. This is the same compound that gives rotting fish its distinctive smell. While it attracts flies for pollination, it can be quite off-putting to homeowners.
If you have a hawthorn hedge near a window or door, you will likely notice an increase in fly activity during the blooming season. The smell is strongest on warm, humid days.
2. Staghorn Sumac (Rhus Typhina)
This large shrub is known for its fuzzy branches and striking red fall color. In early summer, it produces dense clusters of greenish-yellow flowers. These flowers have a slightly sour, fermented scent that is very attractive to various fly species, especially fruit flies.
While not as offensive as the hawthorn, the sumac can still bring a steady stream of small flies to your yard. The flies are often seen hovering around the flower clusters in large numbers.
3. Viburnum (Various Species)
Many viburnum species, particularly the Koreanspice viburnum, have fragrant flowers. While some people find the scent pleasant, others describe it as pungent and musty. This musky sweetness is a beacon for flies and other insects.
The problem is often worse with certain cultivars that have a stronger scent. If you notice flies buzzing around your viburnum, it is because the plant is emitting a smell that mimics a food source for them.
4. Yew (Taxus)
Yew bushes are evergreen and often used for hedges and topiary. They are dioecious, meaning there are male and female plants. The male plants produce cones that release pollen, but the female plants produce fleshy red berries. When these berries fall to the ground and begin to ferment, they become a major attraction for fruit flies and vinegar flies.
Even the dense foliage of the yew can provide a cool, damp shelter for flies during the hottest part of the day. This makes them a resting spot as well as a food source.
5. Privet (Ligustrum)
Privet is a fast-growing shrub often used for privacy hedges. Its small, white flowers have a strong, heavy scent that many find overpowering. This scent is very attractive to flies, particularly green bottle flies and blue bottle flies.
The smell is often compared to that of cat urine or stale sweat, which is exactly the kind of odor that flies seek out. If you have a privet hedge, you may notice a spike in fly populations every time it blooms.
6. Daphne (Daphne Odora)
Daphne is a beautiful shrub with incredibly fragrant flowers. However, the fragrance is so intense that it can attract a lot of insects, including flies. The scent is sweet and spicy, but it can be cloying in large quantities.
Flies are drawn to the high nectar content in the flowers. While they are not the primary pollinator, they will take advantage of the easy meal. This can lead to a swarm of flies around the bush during its blooming period.
7. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)
Despite its name, the butterfly bush also attracts a fair number of flies. The long, dense clusters of tiny flowers produce a strong, honey-like scent. This sweetness is irresistible to many insects, including various fly species.
While butterflies and bees will visit during the day, flies often take over in the late afternoon and evening. The dense flower clusters also provide a safe place for flies to hide from predators.
8. Golden Currant (Ribes Aureum)
This shrub is native to North America and is known for its yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers have a sweet, spicy scent that is pleasant to some but also attracts flies. The plant produces berries that, when they drop and rot, become a breeding ground for fruit flies.
If you have golden currant bushes near a compost pile or fruit trees, the combined smell can be a powerful attractant for a wide range of flies.
How To Manage Flies Around These Bushes
If you already have these bushes in your yard, you do not necessarily have to rip them out. There are several practical steps you can take to reduce the fly population and make your outdoor space more enjoyable. The goal is to disrupt the fly’s life cycle and remove their breeding sites.
Clean Up Fallen Debris
Flies are often attracted to the ground beneath the bush, not just the flowers. Fallen petals, berries, and leaves create a moist, decaying layer that is perfect for fly larvae. Rake up this debris regularly, especially during the blooming and fruiting seasons.
Do not leave the debris in a pile nearby. Dispose of it in a sealed bag or a compost bin that is far away from your living areas. This removes the food source and the breeding ground.
Prune For Airflow
Dense, overgrown bushes create shaded, humid microclimates that flies love. Prune your bushes to open up the center and allow for better air circulation. This dries out the foliage and makes the environment less hospitable for flies.
Proper pruning also reduces the number of flowers, which can help lower the overall scent output. This is a simple way to make the bush less attractive to flying insects.
Use Fans On Patios
If the fly-attracting bush is near a patio or seating area, use a portable fan. Flies are weak fliers and cannot easily navigate a steady breeze. A fan will create a barrier that keeps them away from you while you are trying to relax.
This is a non-toxic and immediate solution. It works especially well for small gatherings where you want to enjoy the garden without being bothered by insects.
Consider Natural Predators
Encourage natural predators like birds and bats to visit your yard. Installing a bat house or a bird feeder can help keep the fly population in check. These animals consume large numbers of flies and other insects daily.
You can also introduce beneficial nematodes to the soil around the bushes. These microscopic organisms attack and kill fly larvae in the ground, preventing them from maturing into adults.
Switch To Less Attractive Varieties
If the fly problem is severe, consider replacing the bush with a cultivar that is less fragrant or produces less pollen. For example, some viburnum cultivars are bred to be less fragrant. Look for varieties that are described as “scentless” or “low-pollen.”
This is a long-term solution that requires some planning. However, it can completely eliminate the source of the problem without having to give up on having a beautiful garden.
Are These Bushes Beneficial?
It is important to note that even though these bushes attract flies, they are not inherently bad. They provide essential food for pollinators and other beneficial insects. Flies are actually the second most important group of pollinators after bees.
If you can tolerate the flies, these bushes are excellent for supporting local biodiversity. They attract a wide range of insects that serve as food for birds and other wildlife. The key is to place them strategically away from high-traffic areas.
Planting Location Matters
Do not plant these bushes right next to your front door, dining area, or barbecue spot. Instead, place them at the back of a border or near a compost area. This way, the flies are drawn to a part of the yard where they are less likely to bother you.
By understanding the behavior of the plant and the insect, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and functional. You get the aesthetic benefits of the shrub, and the flies get a food source, but you do not have to share your dinner with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do flies land on my bushes?
Flies land on bushes for two main reasons: to feed on nectar or to find a place to lay eggs. The scent of the flowers mimics their preferred food sources, such as decaying matter or fermenting fruit. The dense foliage also provides a cool, damp shelter.
Do all flowering bushes attract flies?
No, not all flowering bushes attract flies. Plants with strong, sweet, or foul odors are more likely to attract them. Plants with mild or no scent, or those pollinated primarily by wind, are less likely to be fly magnets. Bright colors alone are not enough to attract flies.
Can I use insecticide on these bushes?
You can, but it is not recommended. Insecticides will kill the flies, but they will also harm beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. It is better to use cultural controls like removing debris and pruning. If you must use a spray, use a targeted insecticidal soap and apply it only to the affected areas.
What is the best way to keep flies out of my yard?
The best way is to remove breeding sites. Keep your grass cut short, clean up pet waste, and ensure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids. Also, check for standing water, as flies breed in moist conditions. Combine this with strategic placement of fly-repelling plants like basil or lavender.
Are there any bushes that repel flies?
Yes, some plants naturally repel flies. These include lavender, rosemary, and wormwood. These plants have strong essential oils that flies dislike. Planting them near your seating areas or around fly-attracting bushes can help mask the attractive scents.
Final Thoughts On Managing Fly-Attracting Bushes
Dealing with flies in the garden is a common challenge, but it is manageable. By identifying the specific bushes that attract flies, you can take targeted action to reduce their impact. Remember that these plants are not the enemy; they are just doing what nature intended.
Start by observing your yard to see where the flies are congregating. Is it near a specific bush? If so, apply the management strategies discussed above. You might find that a simple cleanup of fallen leaves is all you need to make a significant difference.
It is also wise to keep a log of when the flies are most active. This is usually during the blooming period of the bush. If you know when to expect them, you can prepare by setting up fans or planning your outdoor activities for different times of the day. With a little effort, you can have a beautiful, vibrant garden without being overrun by flies.
Take a look at your current landscaping and see if any of these plants are present. If you are planning a new garden, be mindful of where you place these species. A little bit of planning goes a long way in ensuring your outdoor space remains a pleasant retreat. The balance between attracting pollinators and repelling pests is achievable with the right knowledge and a bit of consistent maintenance.