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

Fresh HYDEI fruit fly culture

East Syracuse, New York, 130**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14

1- FRESH 32oz culture of Golden Hydei fruit flies! Live GUARANTEE only when held for pickup l. Specify at checkout. See Unz-arium .com for policy information! Buying from us is agreeing to these terms. GREAT FOR JUMPING SPIDERS, DART FROGS, SMALL REPTILES, FISH, AND MORE!! LAST 30DAYS!!!
... more

Hydei (Golden) LIVE Fruit Fly Culture (retail)

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

$10

Buy Drosophila hydei Flightless Fruit Fly Cultures - Superior Feeder Insects for Medium to Large Reptiles & Amphibians
Enhance your pet’s diet with Drosophila hydei flightless fruit fly cultures—an excellent live food source for medium to large reptiles and amphibians. Drosophila hydei are known for their larger size, slow movement, and unique flightless trait, making them the ideal feeder insect for chameleons, frogs, geckos, and other insectivores that need more substantial ... more

Fruit Fly Culture Kit for Small Pets Reptiles Feeders Live Insects

Marlton, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$48

.totalbody{ background: #fff; border: 3px solid #ccc; display: block; margin: 0 auto; overflow: hidden; width: 950px; color: #111; border-radius: 15px; } .descriptions, .tabs .images, .images .description .title #deliveryright>img{ width: 100%; } button ul button accordion active, button accordion1:hover{ background-color: #ddd; color: #058cd3; } div @media only ... more

Fruit Fly Media Culture Mix 1 5Lb (24oz) Makes 10 cultures

Wheeling, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$17

Fruit fly Media Culture Mix contains 1 5Lb (24oz) to makes 10 fruit flies cultures.


Our  fruit fly media works for both melanogaster and Hydei. It is Homemade with the best ingredients to produce top quality flies for your animals . Our fruit fly media contains brewer's years also ingredients anti-bacterial to avoid the bad smell, we use a mold inhibitor  to prevent mold. The ingredients we use give increase the longevity of the cultures and produces high yields ... more

Sticky Fruit Fly Traps, Yellow Gnat Killer Trap use for Indoor Outdoor, 18 pcs

State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10

Sticky Fruit Fly Traps, Yellow Gnat Killer Trap use for Indoor Outdoor, 18 pcs.

Actual picture of my sticky trap after one day conquering a gnat infestation
... more