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

Wingless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster) 32oz Cup (Chester)

Florida, New York, 109**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10

Each 32oz. container has everything the flies need: Fruit Fly Food Media (from Josh's Frogs) and Aspen Wood Excelsior for added surface area Drosophila Melanogaster are about 1 / 16" in size 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 I have producing cultures and freshly started cultures that will start producing flies in about 12 - 14 days Each culture has a lifespan of ... more

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!!!
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The Best MELANOGASTER Fruit Fly Food Media (1 5 lbs / 1 35 Quarts - Makes 10 Fr

Anaheim, California, 928**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$37

MELANOGASTER Fruit Fly Media is the best producing Fruit Fly Media on the market, and we have been constantly perfecting it since 2004. We approach Fruit Fly culturing from a scientific standpoint, and produce over 1200 32 oz Fruit Fly cultures a week. Last year, we produced over 24 TONS of fruit fly media!
Each bag of Melanogaster Fruit Fly Media 3 lbs / 2 7 Quarts contains 10+ cups of Fruit Fly Media. A bag of Melanogaster Fruit Fly Media 3 lbs / 2 7 Quarts makes 30 1 / 3 cup cultures... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster) Free Shipping

San Juan, Puerto Rico, 009**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster) Free Shipping

Ship Monday-Wednesday

Live arrival guaranteed

Any question or problem send me a message
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Wingless Fruit Fly Cultures 2 Pack+ 2 Pack of Golden Hydei Total of 4 CULTURES.

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

$35

This 2 pack of Golden Hydei Fruit Fly cultures + 2 Pack of Wingless is the perfect addition to any reptile or dart frog owner's collection. These cultures provide a nutritious and tasty food source for your pets without the hassle of dealing with live insects. The flies are easy to maintain and will last for several weeks, ensuring that your pets are well-fed and healthy.
With free shipping included, this is a great deal that you don't want to miss out on. Whether you're a seasoned reptile ... more