Dark-winged fungus gnats

7418.   Courtenay, BC…Jan-Feb…these flies are about 1 mm in size, and we find them dead on windowsills in our bathroom and walk in closets. We do not see them alive…any id and advice? Courtenay, BC, Canada

Number 7418.   I cannot identify these with certainty, but they likely are dark-winged fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae). Their larvae (maggots) usually are found in very moist/wet soil having a high organic material content. They sometimes will damage very tender below-ground plant parts, especially in greenhouses or potted plants. Allowing soil to dry out as much as practical between waterings usually discourages them. The adult flies are completely harmless. See Dark-winged fungus gnats control suggestions .