Killifish

A home-made fly trap thats very effective
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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Fruit Fly Combo | 5 Species Hydei, Melanogaster, Golden, Normal & Turkish

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

$38

Give your animals more feeder variety with this convenient 5 Species Fruit Fly Combo. This bundle includes a great mix of popular fruit fly cultures, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists, breeders, and keepers who want multiple feeder options in one order
With a range of sizes and varieties, this combo is ideal for feeding dart frogs, small reptiles, amphibians, slings, and other insect-eating pets that do best with smaller live feeders
Culture Types Included in This ... more

Fruit Fly Culture (D. melanogaster) - 32oz (mature)

Dubuque, Iowa, 520**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8

Looking for an easy and reliable feeder insect for your dart frogs, fish, mantids, or juvenile reptiles? Our D. melanogaster Fruit Fly Cultures are the perfect choice! These small, flightless fruit flies can be easily produced at home offering a continuous supply for 30-50 days!
Product Features:
Species: Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) Fruit FliesPerfect for: Dart frogs, fish, mantids, juvenile reptiles, and other insectivoresCulture Lifespan: Each culture typically produces ... more

TC INSECTS 3 Pack Fruit Fly Culture Melanogaster, Turkish Gliders & Golden Hydei

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

$30

Fruit Fly Culture 3 Pack Variety ?? Live Flightless Melanogaster, Turkish Gliders & Golden Hydei ?? Feeder Insect Cultures
Keep a steady and versatile supply of live feeder insects with this Fruit Fly Culture 3 Pack Variety, featuring flightless fruit flies, Turkish Gliders, and Golden Hydei. This mixed feeder bundle is a great option for reptile keepers, amphibian keepers, invertebrate hobbyists, and breeders who want multiple fruit fly varieties on hand for different feeding needs ... more

32oz Flightless Fruit Fly Culture

Wichita, Kansas, 672**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12

32oz Flightless Fruit Fly Culture.
... more

Wingless Fruit Fly Culture + 1 Just Add Flies for Dart Frog Food Reptile Food

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

$25

The product is a Winglessless 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 ... more