Creating a Hoverfly Lagoon: A Comprehensive Guide

Hoverflies are an essential part of any garden or ecosystem. These small, colorful insects help pollinate plants and control pests, making them a valuable addition to any yard. One way to attract more hoverflies to your garden is by creating a hoverfly lagoon. In this guide, we will take you through the process of building your own hoverfly lagoon, step-by-step.

What is a Hoverfly Lagoon?

A hoverfly lagoon is a small pool of water that provides the perfect habitat for hoverfly larvae. Hoverflies lay their eggs in water, and the larvae live in the water until they mature into adults. By creating a hoverfly lagoon, you can provide a safe and welcoming environment for hoverflies to breed and thrive.

Materials You Will Need

The materials needed to create a hoverfly lagoon are relatively simple and inexpensive. Here is what you will need:

• A plastic container or pond liner
• Rocks or stones
• A water pump (optional)
• A shovel
• A hose or bucket for filling the lagoon with water
• A variety of aquatic plants
• Sand or gravel

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Hoverfly Lagoon

Step 1: Choose a Site

The first step in building your hoverfly lagoon is to choose a suitable site. The area should receive plenty of sunlight, but not be in direct sunlight all day. It should also be reasonably level and away from trees or other structures that could drop debris into the water.

Step 2: Dig the Hole

Using a shovel, dig a hole that is slightly larger than your plastic container or pond liner. The hole should be deep enough that the top of the container is level with the ground.

Step 3: Add Rocks or Stones

Add a layer of rocks or stones to the bottom of the hole. This will provide a surface for the aquatic plants to grow on and give the hoverflies a place to rest when they emerge from the water.

Step 4: Install the Water Pump (Optional)

If you want to keep the water in your hoverfly lagoon moving, you can install a water pump. This will also help to aerate the water and ensure that it stays healthy for the hoverflies. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the pump.

Step 5: Install the Plastic Container or Pond Liner

Place the plastic container or pond liner into the hole. Make sure that it is level and secure. You may need to add some sand or gravel to the bottom of the container to keep it stable.

Step 6: Fill the Lagoon with Water

Fill the lagoon with water using a hose or bucket. Make sure that the water level is high enough to cover the rocks or stones at the bottom of the lagoon.

Step 7: Add Aquatic Plants

Add a variety of aquatic plants to the lagoon. These plants will provide shelter and food for the hoverfly larvae. Some good options include water hyacinth, water lettuce, and water lilies.

Step 8: Add Sand or Gravel

Add a layer of sand or gravel around the edges of the lagoon. This will help to hold the soil in place and prevent erosion.

Step 9: Wait for the Hoverflies to Arrive

It may take a few days or even weeks for the hoverflies to find your lagoon, so be patient. Once they do, you should start to see more hoverflies in your garden, which will help with pollination and pest control.

Tips for Maintaining Your Hoverfly Lagoon

Here are a few tips to help you maintain your hoverfly lagoon:

• Keep the water clean by removing debris and algae regularly.
• Add more water as needed to keep the level consistent.
• Trim back any overgrown plants to keep the lagoon from becoming too crowded.
• Monitor the pH level of the water and adjust as needed to keep it within the ideal range for hoverflies.

A hoverfly lagoon filled with various aquatic plants

Creating a hoverfly lagoon is a fun and simple project that can have a big impact on your garden. By providing a safe and welcoming environment for hoverflies, you can increase their population and help them do their important work of pollinating plants and controlling pests. With a little bit of effort and patience, you can create a beautiful and functional hoverfly lagoon that will benefit your garden for years to come.

Hoverfly lagoon, garden, pollinator, aquatic plants, pest control