[Benandbill]

I had the same problem last year.  I thought it might just be a one off but this year I have a much bigger pot for the kitchen window sill, the chilli plant has grown to a great size, there are flowers on it but the compost it's in is crawling with flies.

Unfortunately, the better half will not tolerate this - and to be honest I can't say I blame her - in the kitchen and there's no room in our greenhouse for the plant so it's outside in the not too warm weather and rain at the moment.

Has anybody here encountered similar?  Any suggestions as to what might be the cause or solutions?

[compostqueen]

I think they're called Thunderflies. I think you get them when you have plants standing in water.  Chillies don't need a lot of water, I only water mine when they actually flag    You can certainly stand them outside and the rain will be ok for them. Just watch they don't get blow about by winds as you don't want them damaged

A chilli is a fruit so they could be fruit flies I suppose.  My mate grows all his chillies in the garden, and on a good year, they will do just fine. 

[oldgrunge]

I believe they are sciatic flies, and tend to inhabit wet compost. Chilli compost should not be kept wet enough to attract these beasties, so try letting it dry out a bit.

[8doubles]

I believe they are sciatic flies, and tend to inhabit wet compost. Chilli compost should not be kept wet enough to attract these beasties, so try letting it dry out a bit.

Seconded !

They are also known as fungus gnats .

[sunshineband]

Sciarid flies do sound the most likely culprit, and letting the compost dry a  bit will control them. If they are really annoying, or come back, a squirt with any greenfly killer will see them off. Bear in mind that more might hatch from pupae in the soil so a second treatment might be needed.

[compostqueen]

This year, so far, I've not got aphids on the greenhouse or window sill stuff.  Maybe it's the not spraying that is paying off or maybe they've just not arrived yet. Keeping my fingers crossed that they'll keep away    I suppose drier conditions means less humidity, and that does seem to feature with the dratted things

If they do move in I ship the chillies outside and let the hoverflies, ladybirds and birds get at them, and colder weather. They don't seem to mind cooler conditions anyway. You have to protect them from bufetting winds though