Insect and Spider Identification: Black beetle type fly, 1 by GracieC86

GracieC86 wrote:
For the last week I've noticed these small beetle type flies in my garden- today we put a small brightly coloured bouncy castes out for my daughter and it was swarming with these things. They fly but only when disturbed. I've noticed them on my washing once it has been out out to dry also. I'm not too worried about them, they are just a bit of a nuisance and my daughter now won't use the castle as there are so many around her at one time. Any advice on what they are or what attracts them would be greatly appreciated.