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Hello,

Let me start by apologising as I'm sure this forum and yourselves have better things to do. But I have been inundated with flies outside my house for the past four weeks.

I have only moved into the house six months ago, and about mid April suddenly appeared about 100 to 200 flies outside, in my garden mostly around the end of my conservatory and a circular paved area. Both of these are very hot areas.

I have searched on the Internet and I believe I know what these flies are, but I would like it confirming, are they "Cluster flies" ?

The flies are about 7 mm long and either sworm upwards in the air or collided with my head if I go near them.

Also they seem to really like a paved area in full sunshine where they all sit about 50 or 60 at a time.

I have tried to find as much information on the Internet as possible. But they only mention how they survive during the winter and not their habits in the spring, summer.

Now I must admit they are driving me mad as I can't use my garden if it's sunny, if its dull or cool they are not around. They do seem to swarm in zig zags or circles and do not fly away like normal flies.

I am asking for your help on how to discourage these from staying in my garden, what is it about my garden they like?

Every day that I see them, are these new flies or ones from the previous day, (i.e. they are hatching out and form a swarm or forming the swarm to mate?)

Are these going to be here for all spring and summer?

Are there any plants or things I can do to dissuade them from being around my garden? As they seem to have no natural predators!

I have attached a picture of one of them.

If there's any more information you require please let me know.

May I thank you for taking the time and trouble to read this and help.

Regards

Gary