They’re called hover flies. While they look like bees to fend off predators, often nicknamed “sweat bees”, it turns out they’re completely harmless. Experts said in dry years, these insects may land on us to gather a drink of sweat. Other than that, they’re excellent pollinators for plants.

Are Hoverflies friendly?

Hover flies are harmless to most mammals, though many species are mimics of stinging wasps and bees, a mimicry which may serve to ward off predators.

What are hover flies attracted to?

They are attracted to weedy borders or mixed garden plantings that are also infested with aphids. Some flowers that are especially attractive to hover flies include wild carrot or Queen Anne’s lace, wild mustard, sweet alyssum, coriander, dill, and other small-flowered herbs.