giant black flies - help !

On my potted plants on the balcony I have al the time big flies crawing on the earth and on the leaves. Can you suggest a reliable method to kill them, without doing harm to the plants.

Thank you very much.

Alexander

 

Vacuum cleaner, just approach slowly untill they cannot sustain their grip.

Cheers, Tony.

 

Welcome to gardeners Corner Alexander. Could you provide us with a close-up picture of the flies please? It will help with identification and treatment.

 

Welcome to GC I use chemical-free (insecticide) sticky traps for flies, ones that stick to windows etc and then have a super sticky side for the flies. They seem to trap big flies as well but not sure how effective they'd be for outdoors. There must be something attracting them; do they seem to prefer certain types of flowers to others?

 

We've got one like this, though ours is rechargable. Works a treat and gives a very satisfying crack and sizzle when you zapp the blighters.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electronic-Mosquito-Swatter-Zapper-Killer/dp/B005F8PCPK/ref=pd_sim_lp_6