Herb pests!!

[redkoatz]

I have tiny little flies constantly circling my herbs. What can I do about this? A Google search doesn't elaborate well as it comes up with ways to stop slugs and other insects which I don't think these are.
I don't want to use chemicals

Please help

[burnie]

Are these inside or outside, are the herbs in pots and is there any signs of any damage?

[redkoatz]

It's on my windowsill I sometimes move to the outside of the same window if it's sunny. The herbs have little brown spots not much but something.

[burnie]

The flies could be white fly, I use diluted washing up liquid in a hand spray to discourage the flies, remember to rinse the herbs before using them though, don't want soapy dinners.

[farendwoman]

Could well be sciarid flies.
I often get these on my indoor plants when I go away and leave my dear dad in charge of watering. He drowns the plants and the wet soil seems to encourage an infestation.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=804

[mothhawk]

If they are little black flies they are most likely fungus gnats, very common on house plants, especially those in peaty type composts.

Some solutions can be found here: http://www.plantadvice.co.uk/garden-...ngus-gnats/125

Beat me to it farendwoman. Sciarid flies = fungus gnats.

[redkoatz]

Thanks for the replies.
I'll look into it

[mhrfm]

We used slug nematodes this year - they were a massive issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfBZa_MAab8

So far they’re proving to be quite effective.

[BeatriceCallan]

You are really right that don't want to use chemicals. To use it in a house where you eat and sleep is not a great idea. I've found myself a really good tip. I have Brison Pest Repeller, it was priced about 20$ as I can remember. You can read about it here https://homemakerguide.com/best-ultr...pest-repeller/. It won't give any damage to your health, be sure. I don't have insects problems at all right now, so I can absolutely recommend it.