From Tess Harris
The observations by J. R. Catlin on the behaviour of small flies in his bungalow struck a chord (Letters, 6 January). I have been similarly plagued by these beastly little monsters in my top-floor flat. I have not tested their taste buds with brandy but have observed that they prefer red wine to white. They are nearly impossible to swat effectively, being too small, and so I have learnt to live with them, but I keep a beer mat handy to cover my (red) wine glass when they are buzzing around. I also plug the wine bottle between pourings.
I cannot think of a use for pickled flies. What concerns me is the source of these blighters. Do they come up the kitchen sink, the loo or what?
