Question
Hi there

I hope you can help with what is becoming an increasingly annoying problem! We have recently had these flying insects invading our home. They look a lot like mosquitoes: same size, roughly same body shape, back legs dangle behind them when flying, flight bumbly and erratic. However, they don't bite, they have translucent wings with black spots on them, and they're quite "aggressive" (e.g. they fly in your face if disturbed/attacked).

They're definitely not gnats or midges or mosquitoes as we've investigated the obvious. Here's a (slightly blurry) photo of one:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60386671@N00/4634535281/

We've gone from having a couple around to literally dozens in our house, and we're desperate to deter them. We've tried burning 5/6 citronella candles at a time, but they don't work.

Do you have any idea what they might be and how we can get rid of them?

Many thanks

Answer
Jacki,

This is a primitive fly related to mosquitoes, midges, gnats and so forth. However, there are so many different types of these flies that an identification to even family level requires examination under a microscope. I can tell you that virtually all of these insects require damp/wet soil or open water to develop. If the soils or landscape around your home is wet then I'd guess they are developing there and anything you can do to dry the area out will help. If you live near ponds, lakes or streams they may be coming from there. These insects tend to be very seasonal so will probably disappear in a short time for this year. They do not develop indoors nor will they cause any injury. Sorry I can't be more specific.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com