[jonti007]

I have two cougettes in seperate pots in my greenhouse, I have noticed this week that the soil seems to be infested with little black flies, very tiny.
I have tomatoes and peppers also but so far they seem ok but I am worried that these flies may spread.
Can anyone help and tell me what these pests are and how do I get rid of them?

[Plot22]

I have lots of these too but I've left them alone and the plants are cropping just fine.  I assume they are harmless but I'm sure a better qualified person will be here soon.

[Yorkie]

Are you overwatering your compost?  They are harmless, these flies, but can sometimes demonstrate moist compost

[beansticks]

I think they are known as Fruit flies,i collect vegetable waste etc from my work place,monday to friday,in a carrier bag.These flies are always present.Dont think they do any harm.

[jonti007]

Yes I have had a steady crop of cougettes from both plants, so perhaps they do no harm. I reckon I will leave them and just keep an eye on things. I do appreciate your comments

[Ice]

I think they are compost flies and in my experience a large infestation does affect my plants.  I would water in a proprietary bug killer if the plants looked sorry for themselves, otherwise leave alone.

[savbo]

I have problems with them (esp w some peat-free composts) and they do eat roots (or rather their tiny larvae do). Allowing the compost to get dry at the top, and breaking up the top 2cm so it dries out better, seems to help...as do yellow sticky traps

M

[A. Fallowfield]

Thanks for the info, every time I try to grow basil in the kitchen window, I get infested with the things!