Little black beasties. Blackfly?

Hi all,

Have recently let the garden go a bit (only a few days) and have had to rescue the plants from the forest of weeds. When I uncovered my beetroot (boltardy from seed) they are covered with tiny black beetle looking creatures and definitely look worse for wear. I have a few other beetroots growing around the place that must be from last seasons seed or someones carelessness, but they are all getting bigger whilst these are at a standstill. Plenty of ants on 'em too.



Any ideas what they are, and more importantly, how to get rid of them.

TIA

Simon

Great. I'll get some today.

Cheers Dave.

Simon