What are some small black flying bugs?

Tiny flying black bugs found in North America include fruit flies, gnats, drain flies, no-see-ums and boxelder bugs. Of these, only boxelder bugs are considered “true bugs.”

Fruit flies and drain flies are common kitchen pests. Keeping a clean kitchen helps to avoid infestation. Compost kitchen scraps without delay, discard rotting produce and wash dishes right after meals. An existing fruit fly population may also be reduced with vinegar traps.

The term “bug” is inaptly used to describe a number of flying, crawling, burrowing and biting insects. True bugs belong to the order Hemiptera and have specialized mouth parts that pierce and suck.