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

Freshly Started Wingless Drosophila Melanogaster Fruit Fly Culture

Lyndhurst, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$13

Melanogaster Fresh Fruit Fly Cultures and they are an ideal food for Poison Dart Frogs, fish, Praying Mantids, young frogs and toads, and other reptiles, amphibians, or captive animals that require small foods.... view on ebay

"Turkish Glider" Melanogaster (Fruit Fly Culture) - LIVE FEEDER INSECT DART FROG

Cleveland, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
- IN EXTREME TEMPS LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE
WILL ONLY BE IN EFFECT WHEN UPGRADED TO
PRIORITY MAIL OR IN TEMPS BETWEEN 0 - 85F
- COOL PACKS WILL BE ADDED IF NEEDED
(I CHECK TEMPS BEFORE SHIPMENT)
- UPGRADED PRIORITY SHIPPING IS RECOMMENDED
FOR THE SAFEST ARRIVAL
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Name: "Turkish Glider" Melanogaster Fruit Fly
Size: 1 / ... view on ebay

Fruit Fly Media Culture Mix Kit Makes 10 culture 1 5Lb (24oz)

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 ... view on ebay

TC INSECTS 32oz Hydei Fruit Fly Culture Live Feeder Insects

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

$19

Hydei Fruit Fly Culture 32oz ?? Flightless Feeder Insect Culture ?? Live Fruit Flies for Reptiles, Amphibians & Invertebrates
Our 32oz Hydei Fruit Fly Culture is a great choice for keepers needing a steady supply of live feeder insects for reptiles, amphibians, dart frogs, spiders, mantises, and other small insect-eating animals. Hydei fruit flies are larger than melanogaster, making them a popular feeder option for pets that need a slightly bigger prey item
These cultures are started... view on ebay

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture

Berlin, Pennsylvania, 155**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15

We make our flightless fruit fly cultures using our own brand of fruit fly media. We have spent nearly a decade perfecting this media. It is made with extra nutrients to gut load the feeders, giving it an excellent initial producution (boom), and is formulated to continue producing even after the intial production, giving them a longer life span.... view on ebay