A home-made fly trap thats very effective
Media consistancy problems
When preparing food for the flies, it is easy to make it too hard or too soft. This is an advantage of the Sussex media mentioned in Fruit fly food which is right every time. Too wet media can be countered by inserting twisted or screwed kitchen roll or newspaper - both absorbing some moisture and creating walkways for the flies. This can be done in any case, and can increase fly yields if there is often a shortage of pupation sites.
Mold
Mold is scarcely a problem if mold inhibitors are used, but also moldy cultures are usually lightly populated. The flies (and larvae) prevent mold when present in great enough numbers. Using narrow vials with a small surface area certainly helps. When reusing old vials ensure they are cleaned efficiently - failure to do so will also increase the likelihood of mold. A soak in weak bleach can help, but make sure they are rinsed thoroughly afterwards.
Mites
Can destroy a culture. Some merely feed on the media with the flies, but some are parasitic or egg eating. Mites can be treated with Benzyl benzoate soaked bungs, but it is probably easier to discard all cultures and get clean fly stocks. Mite prevention is probably more appropriate, and flies should be housed away from possible contamination, such as in a larger closeable cabinet.
Flightless flies starting to fly
This does happen. Flies can breed with wild flies through thin vial tops (netting for example), or mix with them during handling. Where possible use foam bungs, and try to keep your flies in a closed space away from potential contamination. Once this happens, you really need to replace your stocks and start again.
Fly explosions
Yes they will get out. I use a vinegar trap; vial of vinegar with a perforated tin foil lid. The flies head straight for it.
Fruit fly cultures for sale
ASTORIA, NEW YORK, 11105, USA
$19.95
NEW! Fruit Fly Starter Culture 🐝🐝 (Drosophila Hydel) 🐝🐝Free S&H 🔥🔥🔥WITH HEAT PACK 🔥🔥🔥 CARE SHEET INCLUDED ‼️ GET EM FAST B4 THEIR GONE ‼️ FREE SHIPPING ‼️ *Please Read * !!!!!!!!! INFO ON SHIPPING !!!!!!!!!
Pick up at your post office is highly recommended due to cold / hot weather BUT WILL NOT BE APPLIED UNLESS YOU LEAVE ME A NOTE AT CHECKOUT If you wish to have the package held for pickup you MUST notify me at the time of payment. DO NOT LEAVE IN ...
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WASHINGTON, USA
$24.64
This is one of Josh\'s Frogs 32oz Producing Fruit Fly Cultures, containing Drosophila hydei, and will be 21-23 days old when you receive it. Hydei are larger (about 1 / 8\") than Drosophila melanogaster, and are an ideal food for poison dart frogs, fish, praying mantis, young frogs and toads, and other reptiles, amphibians, or captive animals that require small foods. Each culture is made with Josh\'s Frogs World Famous Fruit Fly Media, containing all the vitamins, minerals, & color enhancers ...
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BERWYN, ILLINOIS, 60402, USA
$19.99
4 Fresh Drosophila Hydei fruit fly cultures. Cultures are made with The Suburbian Fly enhanced media. Not the average flies, not the average culture! Our cultures are kept at optimum conditions to guarantee high yields and successful hatches. No more crashes!Our Media has been developed to provide the best flies!High Yields * 100% Organic * Natural Mold inhibitors (longer lasting) * Packed with Natural Vitamins, Mineral, Carotenoids * Natural Color Enhancers Our cultures are Flightless fruit fly...
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