Why Do Flies Follow Me?

Reader Question:

I was out for a walk near my cabin yesterday evening, and I noticed something peculiar that's happened a number of times before. A cloud of flies started swarming overhead and following me along the trail. These weren't biting flies – they weren't trying to land on me or bite – they just kept hovering and buzzing around my head. Even when I swatted at them, they'd disperse for a second and then immediately return to their annoying orbit.

What I can't figure out is why they do this? They're not getting blood like mosquitoes or deer flies. They're not landing to feed. They just seem to waste energy following me around. What do they gain from this behavior?

- Dennis T., Alberta

CabinLiving.ca Answer:

You've encountered one of nature's more irritating mysteries! Those persistent followers are likely male flies engaged in a behavior called "hilltopping." Many fly species, including hover flies and some types of gnats, use moving objects – including humans – as mobile landmarks for finding mates.

Male flies patrol for females by hovering around prominent objects. In nature, this might be a tall tree, a rock outcrop, or even a large animal. You, walking through their territory, became a convenient moving landmark. The males hover around you hoping females will notice the commotion and come investigate. It's essentially a singles bar with wings!

They're particularly active during their mating seasons (often late afternoon and early evening) and in areas where natural landmarks are scarce. The behavior persists even when you swat because their drive to mate overrides their sense of self-preservation.

While annoying, take comfort in knowing you're not their target – you're just their inadvertent wingman. A hat with a brim, walking at a different time of day, or choosing windier routes can help minimize these unwanted escorts.

Happy cabin living!