Hoverflies are pollinators and are quite possibly underrated. They are also natural predators of aphids, a common pest of cereal crops.

It is therefore beneficial to increase hoverfly numbers.

Hoverfly lagoons can provide a place for these pollinators to breed and increased numbers can help to treat plants which might be affected by aphids.

The short video below describes how to make a hoverfly lagoon. This lagoon was placed beside the pollinator patch on Tullamore Farm.

The lagoon may need to be topped up with water every so often. Later in the season, you can check the lagoon for larvae.

To make the lagoon you will need:

  • A 2l to 4l container, like a milk carton with the top cut off.
  • Water.
  • Grass.
  • Withered leaves and grass.
  • Twigs or sticks.

    • How to make

    To make the lagoon, simply place fresh grass in the container, filling it to the three-quarter way mark.

    Add water to cover the grass and place some twigs or sticks into the lagoon for pollinators to land on.

    Cover the fresh grass with withered leaves and grass for shelter.

    The grass and water will break down and may need to be topped up.

    Place the lagoon in the corner of a field.

    You can empty the lagoon into another container later in the season to see if any hoverfly larvae are visible - just remember to return them to the lagoon.