Fruit flies part 6: Troubleshooting common problems

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

Turkish Gliders Fruit Fly 4 PACK cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food

Dover, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

This package contains four cultures of Turkish Gliders Fruit Fly, perfect for feeding your pet reptiles, including dart frogs. These fruit flies are a delicious and nutritious food source that will keep your pets healthy and happy
Each culture contains a large number of fruit flies, ensuring that you will have enough food for your pets for a while. The package is designed for pet owners who are looking for a high-quality food source for their pets
... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture, Drosophila Hydei, 32 oz. from TerraCraft

Eureka, California, 955**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$16

Fresh, healthy fruit fly cultures grown on a premium, nutrient-rich medium for strong growth and reliable production
Each culture is started with a generous number of flies to ensure quick establishment and steady output
Perfect For:
?? Dart frogs & tree frogs
?? Baby chameleons
?? Small geckos (crested, gargoyle, day geckos, leachies)
?? Praying mantises & jumping spiders
?? Betta & nano fish
?? Isopods, springtails, & bioactive tanks love spent ... more

Fruit Fly Culture Kit - Makes 6 cultures - with or without flies (retail)

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$24

This kit contains the following items: 
6 - 32oz deli cups and waffle lids
6 - bags of media
6 - portions of excelsior
6 - labels for identification
1 - choice of starter kit with flies of your choice
 
If you choose the "no fly" option, you get quantity 8 of everything
... more

? Fruit Fly Culture, WINGLESS (Small Fruit Fly: D. melanogaster) - 32oz

Shullsburg, Wisconsin, 535**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8

Although "Turkish Gliders" are a strain of D. melanogaster and are flightless, they are capable of gliding in a downward spiral and inclined to hopping and being more active than regular D. melanogaster making them an enriching activity for your pets!
Looking for an easy and reliable feeder insect for your dart frogs, fish, mantids, or juvenile reptiles? Our Turkish Glider Fruit Fly Cultures are the perfect choice! These small, flightless fruit flies can be easily produced at home ... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture + 1 Just Add Flies for Dart Frog Food Reptile Food

Etters, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$25

The product is a Flightless fruit fly culture kit + 1 additional container of just-add-flies food designed for dart frogs and reptiles. Produced by the brand Crazy Frog Lady, this product provides a convenient and natural way to feed your pets. The fruit flies are a nutritious food source for many reptiles and amphibians, promoting healthy eating habits and reducing the need for processed diets. With this product, you can easily maintain a steady supply of live insects for your pets to enjoy ... more