Bushes That Attract Flies

If you’re looking to support local ecosystems, some bushes that attract flies can be a smart garden addition. While it might sound counterintuitive, many flies are important pollinators and food for other wildlife.

This guide will help you understand which plants bring them in and how to manage your garden effectively. You’ll learn that not all flies are pests, and some shrubs play a key role in a healthy, balanced yard.

Certain shrubs produce flowers or fruits that are irresistible to various fly species. These plants often have specific traits, like strong odors or particular colors, that flies find appealing. Including them can boost biodiversity right in your backyard.

Why Would You Want to Attract Flies?

It’s a fair question. Most gardeners want to repel flies, not invite them. The answer lies in the types of flies these bushes attract.

Pollinators: Many flies, including hoverflies and bee flies, are excellent pollinators for fruits and vegetables.
Pest Control: Hoverfly larvae consume vast numbers of aphids, acting as natural pest control.
Food Source: Flies are a crucial food for birds, bats, frogs, and beneficial insects, supporting the entire food web.

Top Shrubs That Bring in Flies

Here are some common garden bushes known to attract fly species, along with there benefits and considerations.

1. Elderberry (Sambucus)

Elderberry bushes produce large clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers with a potent, sweet smell. This aroma is highly attractive to many fly species, along with bees. The flowers later turn into dark berries that birds love.

Attracts: Hoverflies, fruit flies, bee flies.
Best for: Pollinator gardens, edible landscapes (flowers and berries are used in syrups).
Placement Tip: Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.

2. Privet (Ligustrum)

Privet hedges are known for there dense clusters of small, white flowers. The flowers have a strong, sometimes unpleasant fragrance to humans, which is very effective at drawing in flies. It’s a robust and fast-growing shrub.

Attracts: A wide variety of flies, including some less desirable types.
Best for: Hedges and screens where the smell won’t be near seating areas.
Placement Tip: Can be invasive in some regions; check local guidelines before planting.

3. Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)

This native shrub is a pollinator magnet. Its sweetly scented, bottlebrush-shaped flowers bloom in mid to late summer when other nectar sources can be scarce. It’s particularly good at attracting beneficial insects.

Attracts: Hoverflies, bee flies, along with butterflies and bees.
Best for: Wet or moist areas, rain gardens, and shady spots.
Placement Tip: Very low maintenance and tolerates heavy shade.

4. Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)

Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves and bright yellow flowers in early spring. Its flowers provide an early nectar source, and its mild scent attracts early-season flies looking for food.

Attracts: Early-emerging flies and bees.
Best for: Winter interest, dry shade, and native plant gardens.
Placement Tip: The blue berries are edible but very tart, often used in jellies.

How to Manage Fly Populations Responsibly

Attracting flies doesn’t mean letting your garden become overrun. Strategic planning keeps everything in balance.

Strategic Placement is Key

Plant fly-attracting bushes away from your home’s doors, windows, and outdoor living spaces. Position them closer to the garden’s perimeter or near compost areas. This draws flies to where you want them—among your plants—and away from your patio.

Encourage Natural Predators

Creating habitat for fly predators is the best control method. Here’s how:

Install bird baths and bird houses to invite insect-eating birds.
Leave some leaf litter and small brush piles to shelter frogs and beetles.
Add a small water feature to support dragonflies and damselflies.

Maintain Good Garden Hygiene

Even in a wildlife-friendly garden, sanitation prevents problems. Always clear away fallen, rotting fruit promptly. Keep compost bins covered and well-maintained. Ensure rain barrels have tight-fitting lids or mosquito dunks that are safe for other wildlife.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few simple errors can lead to an unwanted surge in fly numbers. Here’s what to watch for.

Overplanting: One elderberry is a pollinator hub; five might create a nuisance. Start with one or two specimens.
Poor Placement: Planting a fragrant privet right under your kitchen window will likely lead to complaints.
Ignoring Fruit Drop: Letting fruit from these bushes decay on the ground beneath them is a guaranteed way to attract more flies than intended.
Neglecting Water Management: Standing water anywhere in the yard breeds mosquitoes and some fly species, so empty saucers and clogged gutters regularly.

Companion Planting for Balance

Surround your fly-attracting bushes with plants that repel unwanted insects or attract fly predators. This creates a natural checks-and-balances system.

Plant Herbs Nearby: Rosemary, lavender, and mint have strong scents that deter many common houseflies.
Add Bird-Friendly Plants: Sunflowers, coneflowers, and berry-producing plants like serviceberry bring in birds that will eat flies.
Include Pitcher Plants: In very wet areas, these carnivorous plants can be a fascinating and functional addition, trapping some flies themselves.

FAQ: Bushes That Attract Flies

Q: Are all flies attracted to these bushes bad?
A: No, not at all. Many are beneficial. Hoverflies and bee flies are vital pollinators. Soldier flies help break down compost. Its only a few species, like the common housefly, that are generally considered pests.

Q: Will these plants make my garden smell bad?
A: Some, like privet, have a strong smell that many people find unpleasant. Others, like summersweet, have a lovely sweet fragrance. Choose plants based on there scent and place them accordingly.

Q: Can I use these bushes in a vegetable garden?
A: Absolutely. Planting an elderberry or summersweet near your vegetable patch can increase pollination and bring in hoverflies whose larvae eat aphids. Just maintain some distance to keep foot traffic away from high fly activity.

Q: How do I tell beneficial flies from pest flies?
A: Beneficial flies often mimic bees (hoverflies) or are slender and delicate (bee flies). They are usually found on flowers. Pest flies like houseflies are more often seen on garbage, pet waste, or rotting food. Taking a moment to observe behavior is helpful.

Q: What if I attract too many flies?
A> First, ensure you’re not providing other attractants like uncovered trash. You can prune the bush to reduce its flower load, or in extreme cases, consider replacing it with a less attractive variety. Encouraging more predators is always the best first step.

Adding bushes that attract flies to your landscape is a thoughtful way to support local ecology. By choosing the right shrubs, placing them carefully, and fostering a balanced environment, you can enjoy a vibrant, healthy garden that thrives with life at all levels. The key is working with nature, not against it, to create a resilient outdoor space.