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

Flightless Hydei Fruit Flies, Reptile, Amphibian, Mantids, Food (Fresh Starts)

Richmond Hill, New York, 114**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8

Drosophila Melanogaster Flightless Turkish Gliders ?? Live Fruit Fly Culture
This listing is for a live culture of Drosophila Hydei Fresh Starts, Tipically a few days old, some might be showing maggots.
What If the Box Gets Tilted During Shipping?
No need to worry! Simply place the cup upright and wait 24 hours for the media to settle. You??ll still see the maggots actively feeding and preparing to pupate. Your culture will continue developing as expected. If you encounter any issues, ... more

Made to order- Completely Wingless melanogaster 32oz Fruit Fly Culture

Vienna, Georgia, 310**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$16

Live arrival voided during extreme temps above 95 degrees ICE PACK OPTION AVAILABLE IF YOUR TEMPS WILL BE HIGH
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 .
Made to order, so it will take a few weeks for see larvae!(2-3 weeks for hydeis) Please order accordingly! Due to summer season, live ... more

Fruit Fly Culture Turkish Glider 3 Pack Lizard And Dart Frog Food Live

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

$28

32 oz Drosophila Melanogaster "Turkish Glider" Fruit Fly Culture 3-Pack
Our Fruit Flies are made with Repashy
Turkish Glider Melanogaster are the smallest size of fruit flies at 1 / 16 "
Turkish Glider Melanogaster are a winged and slightly darker than the Golden Wingless Melanogaster
This winged form of melanogaster can 'glide' short distances making for a more active feeder enticing even the pickiest of eaters
Turkish Gliders produce fast and consistently with ... more

Fruit Fly Culture LARGE

Lexington, Kentucky, 405**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$11

Got a bunch of little critters you're feeding? We're now offering our handy flip-top fly cultures in jumbo size! When it's feeding time, simply chill in the fridge a few minutes before popping the top! The lid makes it easy to open and close the fly container with only one hand! Cultures last up to 6 weeks*


Please note the larger cultures do not mean they last longer, only that they produce more. Want to order feeders less often? Add an "empty" culture to your order and you can ... more

Drosophila Hydei Fruit Fly Culture (in 32 oz container)

Niagara Falls, New York, 143**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8

Drosophila Hydei Fruit Fly Culture (in 32 oz container)
Fruit Flies Drosophila Hydei are perfect feeder insects for young or small reptiles or other insectivorous animals and plants.... more