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
Killi.co.uk is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see
terms and conditions.
West Palm Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$10
? A fruit fly feeding dish to help keep flies from scattering throughout the enclosure. Keeping flies in a dish can be challenging. This dish helps by providing a "moat" around the feeder, which can be filled with a little water to keep flies from easily running off the feeding platform. It also has nubs that stick up in the middle to give more surface area for the flies to climb up on, making them more visible to your reptile and / or amphibian. This was primarily made for my dart frogs, but...
more
Cleveland, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$40
??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRUIT FLY: "Golden" Drosophila melanogaster (flightless)
SIZE: 1 / 16?? inches (smaller than hydie fruit flies)
COUNT: 50+ (will produce prolifically)
(BASIC INFO)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIVE FOOD SOURCE FOR: Dart Frogs, Jumping Spiders, Praying
Mantis, Mantids, Morning ...
more
Cleveland, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$70
??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Drosophila hydei (x1 CULTURE)
"Golden" Drosophila hydei (x1 CULTURE)
Sizes: Flies, Larva & Eggs
Count: 50+ Per Culture (will produce prolifically)
Sex: M / F
WITH EXTREME TEMPS THERE WILL ONLY BE
LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE WHEN UPGRADE TO
EXPRESS MAIL OR IN TEMPS BETWEEN 0 - 85F
(CULTURE ...
more
Xenia, Ohio, 453**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$55
6 Pack Live Fruit Fly Cultures ?? Premium Feeder Flies
High-quality, long-lasting fruit fly cultures bred for consistent production and shelf life. Perfect for reptile keepers, dart frog hobbyists, jumping spider owners, and breeders
Unlike standard cultures that crash quickly, our cultures are designed to last longer and produce more, giving you better value and more feeding cycles
? What You Get:
(6) 32oz Fruit Fly CulturesChoose your species:D. melanogaster (smaller, faster ...
more
Wheeling, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$40
Fruit fly Media Culture Mix contains 1 5Lb (24oz) to makes 10 fruit fly cultures
Our fruit fly media works for both melanogaster and Hydei. It is Homemade with the best ingredients to produce top quality flies for our animals. Our fruit fly media contains brewer's years, vitamins, minerals also 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
I recommend add vinegar ...
more
