Insect Invasion

[FoxLee]

About once a year (and it's happening now) we get invaded by really tiny black insects no more than 1/8 of an inch long but because there are so many of them, they cover the windows. Even keeping them closed (purgatory in this weather) some find their way inside. Does anyone know what they are? There are fields across the road from us and the owners have been burning stuff so I don't know if there's a connection. Also we had a very little bit of rain yesterday and some more again today and I don't know if that's anything to do with it.
A few years ago, when our white porch was covered, i used an insect spray on them. The next day I couldn't understand why there were big patches of orange on the paintwork. Needless to say, it didn't come off and needed a painting job so I won't be trying that again.

[buildersmate]

They are likely to be corn flies. It happens every year, sometimes worse than others.

[hometex]

we have the same problem, they are thunderbugs or corn flies. tiny black things that get everywhere. we even have them inside glass picture frames, the little ******* get everywhere, you cant stop em. like you i live in the country side and when the farmer starts cutting his crop we know what to expect, millions of black bugs. Arrrghhhhhhh.
they usually last for a good week or so then simply vanish, except for the ones stuck in the picture frames etc. wish i knew how to stop em. well i do but arson is illegal and the farmer wouldnt be very happy.

[FoxLee]

Thanks - at least I know what the blighters are now. One time we found some on the computer screen which is right across the room from the window. I tried dabbing at them with a tissue but as fast as I was killing them, more were appearing. I was fighting a losing battle so I suppose I'll have to learn to live with them for the next few days.

[Freddie-Jazz]

Definately Thunderbugs - we have plenty and they are causing havoc with us trying to finish the exterior painting. Does anyone know what time they come out in the morning and what time they go to bed?