How can I get rid of tiny black flies indoors?

[Sidebeforeself]

I need a foolproof method for getting rid of those tiny annoying black flies! We have an open plan kitchen/living area and they are driving me crazy. Ive tried peppermint ( just makes the place stink of mint!) and the cloves in lemon method you see on Instagram. Nothing works. My bins are clean and emptied regularly. We do have a fruit bowl but Im not sure where else I can store fruit, and it’s usually only bananas and lemons. Any tips gratefully recieved!

It’s usually down to food, they usually go around the bins, food, waste bins where they can smell food.

ensure you wash all your fruit especially bananas as eggs are laid at the top of bananas

use plastic food storage bins for opened items
check indoor plants
wash all produce
clean out cupboards/pantry

I had bugs hatching out of an open jar of red pepper flakes in the cupboard once. 😳🤮

eta check your drains as well. Keep stoppers in them as and pour very hot water down them regularly.

Pour boiling hot water down plug hole. Then bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Leave overnight. Flush with boiling water and repeat as needed to get rid of the eggs.

Are you rural or have fields nearby?

The jet black tiny flying bugs are thunder bugs (thrips). Sometimes known as corn flies as they come off the crops. (Corn flies are actually something else though).
They look different to the paler, more delicate looking flies that come from pot plants.

Thrips are a real nuisance as they even get into frames, between the glass and picture!

Wiping with white vinegar or using fly paper/sticky traps/fly lights is all you can do. They are seasonal and will go.

As soon as the fruits starts to mature, I freeze, eat or dispose of them. Compost is kept outside all the time and I check the plants regularly. This has helped me 100%. I no longer have these flies in my kitchen.