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
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San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$10
This is a complete media kit, pre measured so you just dump the media, add hot water, stir and go. This kit will make 2 cultures. I use Repashy Supefly for the media and not some generic mix
No Flies Included with the kit. I sell flies separately and I also have 6 culture kits with free flies included
2 - bags of media (pre-measured)2 - 32oz deli cups2 - 32 oz vented lids (insect proof)2 - portions of Excelsior (better than coffee filters)2 - labels for cups so you can keep track of ...
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Cleveland, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$46
??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
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Name: Drosophila hydei (x1 CULTURE)
"Golden" Drosophila hydei (x1 CULTURE)
Sizes: Flies, Larva & Eggs
Count: 50+ Per Culture (will produce prolifically)
Sex: M / F
WITH EXTREME TEMPS THERE WILL ONLY BE
LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE WHEN UPGRADE TO
EXPRESS MAIL OR IN TEMPS BETWEEN 0 - 85F
(CULTURE ...
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Vienna, Georgia, 310**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5
Live arrival voided during extreme temps above 95 degrees HEAT PACK OPTION AVAILABLE IF YOUR TEMPS WILL BE low
Will have excelsior for surface area
DISCLAIMER: as we enter summer temps, there is a risk that cultures will not arrive alive or producing, because of this I have included a ice pack option.
wingless melanogaster 32oz Fruit Fly Culture .
producing will be about a week old Please order accordingly! Due to winter season, live guarantee is voided if left in mailbox or ...
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Gadsden, Alabama, 359**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$20
You will receive 2 Hydei fruit fly cultures 32 ounce each
Currently all FRESH, but will provide plenty of flies to speed the process and provide some for feed.
Productive fruit fly culture. Great food resource for your small reptiles / amphibians.
If you would prefer a "fresh" or "producing" culture, please let us know and we will hand pick the best one for your needs. If you want "really fresh " , we'll whip up a brand new culture just for you and load it with flies before it ...
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Lyndhurst, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$15
Drosophila melanogaster are smaller (about 1 / 16 " ) than Drosophila hydei, 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...
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