Small Black Flying Bugs that Bite

Sounds like mosquitoes. They are attracted to even tiny amounts of standing water because they nest in water. You can burn citronella candles as a repellent but what I also do (am highly allergic to them) is lightly spray my skin with rubbing alcohol (avoiding eyes, nose and mouth) and that works for me in keeping them from biting. When sitting on my patio I also keep a small spray bottle of rubbing alcohol and spritz them if they are persistent. It's almost instant death for them ;-) Another thing I do is burn incense. Just my opinion but I think the smoke repels them. Many people say dryer sheets and Avon's Skin So Soft lotion works for them, too :-)