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Flies in new dahlia garden #877648

Asked July 17, 2024, 2:17 PM EDT

I recently planted Dahlia, astilbe, white Nancy lamium, and burgundy flow ajuga in a front flower bed. Metallic colored flies are swarming now since I planted these and they seem to feast on the lamium and dinner plate variety dahlia. Any reason as to why this would be or how to kill the flies?

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Contact Marie G. and get a picture of the "flies". Thanks, Mary
 
 
 
o2024 2:37 PM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
 
 

Hi Mary,

Question #0147566 has been assigned to you by Marie G.

Flies in new dahlia garden

I recently planted Dahlia, astilbe, white Nancy lamium, and burgundy flow ajuga in a front flower bed. Metallic colored flies are swarming now since I planted these and they seem to feast on the lamium and dinner plate variety dahlia. Any reason as to why this would be or how to kill the flies?

From: Mathew Kulas
Submitted: 07/17/2024 2:17 PM


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An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 17, 2024, 6:53 PM EDT
Hope you can see 

Mathew J. Kulas, L.Ac.
248.906.6549
 


On Wed, Jul 17, 2024 at 18:53 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 8:03 PM EDT
Here are the pictures from the leafs and how they’re being eaten. I realize you can’t really see that in the first picture of the fly

image


Mathew J. Kulas, L.Ac.
248.906.6549
 


On Wed, Jul 17, 2024 at 18:53 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 9:25 AM EDT
Flies are attracted to plants that have sweet nectar and at times pollen. Check your plants under the leaves for eggs.
Water the plants beneath the top parts of the flowers, especially in the morning.
 
 
07/19/2024 9:25 AM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
 
 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 11:28 AM EDT
Thank you for your response. What kind of fly are they and what pesticide do you recommend to help control them. 

Mathew J. Kulas, L.Ac.
248.906.6549
 


On Mon, Jul 29, 2024 at 11:28 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 1:45 PM EDT

Hello Mathew.  

These appear to be a bronze bottlefly or a blow fly.  These types of fly and larvae do not feed on plant foliage - they feed on rotting and decaying plant and animal matter.  I would say that something else is feeding on the leaves and these flies are just seeking shelter in the area of your plants while they are feeding on decaying matter near your bedding plants.

Watch your plants closely and look for other vegetation feeders.  Japanese beetles are very active now.  Also you may need to look a couple of hours after sunset or before daybreak to look for nocturnal feeders (slugs love dahlias and have been very bad this year). 

Edward A. Replied July 29, 2024, 4:14 PM EDT
Thank you 

Mathew J. Kulas, L.Ac.
248.906.6549
 


On Mon, Jul 29, 2024 at 16:14 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 6:34 PM EDT
What is the appended?
On 07/30/2024 6:34 PM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
 
 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 7:35 PM EDT

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