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

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 ... view on ebay

TC INSECTS Golden Hydei Fruit Fly Cultures 4 Pack ?? 2 Golden Hydei + 2 Hydei

Huntsville, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$35

Golden Hydei Fruit Fly Cultures 4 Pack ?? 2 Golden Hydei + 2 Hydei ?? Live Flightless Feeder Insect Cultures
Keep a steady supply of quality live feeders on hand with this 4 culture bundle that includes 2 Golden Hydei Fruit Fly Cultures and 2 Hydei Fruit Fly Cultures. This variety pack is a great choice for reptile keepers, amphibian keepers, invertebrate hobbyists, and breeders who need productive live feeder cultures for regular feeding Hydei fruit flies are a popular feeder option ... view on ebay

Hydei Fruit Fly Culture + 1 Just Add Flies 4 Dart Frog Food Reptile Food

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

$25

The product is a Hydei 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
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Repashy SuperFoods Superfly 17 6 oz. (1 1 lb) Jar Fruit Fly Culture Media

Seminole, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$42

Repashy SuperFoods Superfly 17 6 oz. (1 1 lb) Jar Fruit Fly Culture Media
Repashy SuperFoods SuperFly 17 6 oz (1 1 Lb) Jar FRUIT FLY CULTURE MEDIAItem Details
Additional FeaturesFruit Fly Culture Media with Enhanced Nutritional ValueAge Range DescriptionAll Life StagesAnimal Food Diet TypeVegetarianBrand NameRepashyBreed RecommendationInstant Formula for Drosophila Culture, Fruit Fly Culture MediaContainer TypeTubDate First AvailableJune 6, 2024FlavorCinnamonItem FormPowderItem Weight1 1 ... view on ebay

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture

Orangeburg, South Carolina, 291**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10

melanogaster fruit flies. LAG only available if you pick up at post office. photo of the culture must be sent within the first hour, with business card in photo as well as the culture
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