[Speedwell]

Hi my first year and all is going well loads of great crops ... so encouraged... But these little suckers are vamping my runners before they are flowering .  The whole stems are black with fly.

Is this a particularly bad year ? or should I expect this every year?

Any non chemical solutions ...I would be greatful for some green wisdom.

[Beejay]

Spray soapy water on them.
Mix water with non perfumed washing up liquid at the rate of 10 water  to 1 Liquid

Works for me!

[Speedwell]

Thanks will try that and post next week to update you

Cheers

[titch]

works a treat - sorted the blighters on me broads 

[Beetroot queen]

I did soapy water on mine again today I will win the war 

[beansticks]

Finger and thumb works for me,makes a mess on your fingers though.

[DavidT]

Surely by using washing up liquid you are using chemicals anyway?

[Jay The Digger]

My cherry tree is covered in blackfly but unfortunately is far too big to spray regularly.

I use soapy water on any other crops they decide to occupy though.  Works a treat.