The Assassin Fly: The carnivorous assassin fly is known to prey on hummingbirds, using its sharp proboscis to inject venom into its prey, paralyzing and feeding on them.
Danger to Hummingbirds: These flies pose a direct threat to hummingbirds, especially when they're attracted to feeders and are vulnerable during their feeding times.
Attracted to Nectar: Assassin flies are drawn to nectar-rich areas like hummingbird feeders, often preying on the birds as they hover to drink.
Signs of Infestation: If you spot assassin flies around your hummingbird feeder, it may indicate an imbalance in the local ecosystem, with these aggressive flies increasing in number.
Reduce Attractants: To deter assassin flies, make sure to clean your feeders regularly and keep the area around them tidy, eliminating any dead insects or spilled nectar that might attract predators.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Using pesticides or other chemicals can harm not only the flies but also the hummingbirds, so natural deterrents or traps are better solutions.