Swarmed by yellow and black flying bugs? Here's what they are and why they're bothering you

Being outside in Indiana this time of year is usually fine — unless you're swatting away buzzing insects.

More than likely, you don't need to be alarmed by what's buzzing around, especially if you're near a corn or soybean field. That's because that buzzing insect is probably a hoverfly and not a sweat bee or yellow jacket , which is a wasp that can sting.

"Because the corn is mature right now, you're going to find these (hover) flies," said Megan Abraham, Indiana's state entomologist. She said the reason the flies often congregate around people is because they want some of the salt from our sweat. "They are just kind of a pest because they swarm around us."

How do you know if it's a hoverfly or something else?

While at first glance these flying insects (hoverfly, sweat bee and yellow jacket) may look alike, there are easy ways to determine which is flying past your face.

Hoverflies can hover, or remain in place in mid-air, something a sweat bee or yellow jacket can't do. Also, hoverflies have one set of wings while yellow jackets and bees have two sets, or four total wings. Usually hoverflies are lighter in color than a sweat bee, which has a metallic sheen on its head.

If you're watching a hoverfly that's landed on something, it often will exhibit a abdomen-bobbing behavior even though it can't sting.

Which flying insects will sting?

Once again, hoverflies can't sting. Sweat bees don't usually sting but can and will if disturbed. Yellow jackets often sting.

What should you do to get rid of hoverflies?

You don't have to do much, which is good because there isn't much you can do. Just wave the hoverflies away. They don't sting and they don't harm people or pets.

What do hoverflies do?

Hoverflies help with pollination in agricultural areas, especially corn and soybeans in Indiana. The insects lay eggs on corn stalks so the larvae can feed on the corn tassels. When they take on their adult form, they're "just trying to find a mate and be a bug," according to Abraham.

When will hoverflies disappear?

Hoverflies most often swarm as they look for food and for mates. After a heavy rain, there may be fewer for a short time. They will disappear for the rest of the year soon after the first hard frost.

Be aware of insects getting ready for winter

While hoverflies aren't a problem, sweat bees, yellow jackets and other types of wasps are currently looking for food sources wherever they can find them as they prepare for winter, Abraham said. So be aware that the flying insects close to garbage cans left open or near open soda cans could be yellow jackets looking for a meal.

"Just about anything with wings is looking for food for the end of summer," Abraham said.

Reach Carol Kugler at ckugler@heraldt.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Swarmed by yellow and black flying bugs? Here's what they are and why they're bothering you