My sedums are covered with bees, but I do know that certain flies are active pollinators. Some breeders prefer flies over bees to do their business.

Food sources for all these critters are very low this time of year, so yes flies, bees, butterflies will swarm to anything blooming in the garden. I have one small bed loaded with asters, mums, sedums etc. The current insect population in this area is just amazing. Part of life.

I've also noticed that flies in particular seek out the warmest spots in the garden to hang out (areas that get the most sunshine). Could that be part of the problem?

Kevin

ignore it.. odds are they wont be interested next year ... who knows what the nursery sprayed on them???

ken

Yes, all of the sedums are in the sunniest spot in the backyard and the asters are in bright sun in the front. The flies do look as busy as the bees that are on the plants. I just won't put the asters by the front door. Thank you for the feedback.

Deanna

It's nature.......live with it......don't fight it......

Some of those 'flies' may be hover flies. Many species are voracious predators of pests in their season. Not everything which looks like a fly is the sort which spreads diseases and frequents unpleasant substances.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hover flies