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

Premium Melanogaster Fruit Fly Food Media - 3 lbs, Ideal for Breeding & Feeding

Windermere, Florida, 347**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$68

High-Quality Fruit Fly Media for Thriving Cultures
Discover the ultimate solution for cultivating healthy and vibrant fruit flies with our premium media. Designed to enhance growth and yield, this product is perfect for a variety of pets and enthusiasts alike
Key Features:
Produces High Yields: Your cultures will thrive in this quality media, ensuring multiple generations of flies. Rich in Vitamins & Color Enhancers: Healthy feeders lead to vibrant ... view on ebay

Fruit Fly Media Culture Kit (MAKES 5 CULTURES) Free Shipping

Wheeling, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$28

Fruit fly Media Culture Mix contains 0 8Lb (12 8oz) to makes 5 fruit fly's 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 ... view on ebay

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture Combo (Melanogaster & Hydei) - LIVE FEEDER INSECTS

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

$70

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Drosophila melanogaster / Drosophila hydei (x2 CULTURES)
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 ... view on ebay

TC INSECTS Turkish Glider Fresh Fruit Fly Culture Live Feeders for Dart Frogs

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

$8

Turkish Gliders Fruit Flies
These will be fresh cultures! with Super Swarm Media!
These Turkish Gliders Fruit Flies are extremely prolific and make an excellent feeder insect for small reptiles, amphibians, baby arachnids, and other tiny insect-eating pets. Their smaller adult size makes them a great choice for young animals or species that need a more manageable feeder
Each culture is raised in a 32oz cup using our Super Swarm Media, a premium blend formulated to support strong ... view on ebay

Josh's Frogs Fruit Fly Media - Hydei Formula, 1 5lbs

Millsboro, Delaware, 199**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$35

Josh's Frogs Fruit Fly Media - Hydei Formula, 1 5lbs. Condition is New. Shipped with Standard Shipping.... view on ebay