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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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 ...
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Xenia, Ohio, 453**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$15
Black Melanogaster Flightless Fruit Flies
32oz Master Culture ?? Made Fresh Weekly
??
What You??re Buying
You will receive (1) live, actively producing Black Melanogaster (flightless) fruit fly culture, freshly made and professionally packed
Each 32oz master culture includes:
?? Thick, nutrient-dense media
?? Excelsior climbing surface
?? Ventilated lid
?? Visible adult flies
?? Clearly labeled production date
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Huntsville, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$35
Golden Hydei Fruit Fly Cultures 4 Pack ?? 2 Golden Hydei + 2 Hydei ?? Live Flightless Feeder Insect Cultures
Keep a steady supply of quality live feeders on hand with this 4 culture bundle that includes 2 Golden Hydei Fruit Fly Cultures and 2 Hydei Fruit Fly Cultures. This variety pack is a great choice for reptile keepers, amphibian keepers, invertebrate hobbyists, and breeders who need productive live feeder cultures for regular feeding Hydei fruit flies are a popular feeder option ...
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South Gate, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$40
Condition:
New
Item Specifics:
* Brand: NEKTON
* Model: Drosophila Breeding Concentrate
* Type: Fruit Fly Culture Food
* Weight: 1000g (35 27 oz)
* Country / Region of Manufacture: Germany
* Intended For: Drosophila (Fruit Fly) Cultures
* Suitable For: Reptile, Amphibian, and Insect Feed Breeding
* MDD: 2028-01-18
Description:
New sealed container of NEKTON-Drosophila breeding concentrate. Complete feed concentrate designed for breeding...
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Cottage Grove, Minnesota, 550**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$30
Finn's Frog Farm Fruit Fly MediaThe fruit fly media comes in a durable bagFree standing bagThe bag is sealed with an easy tear off to open Easy to makeMold InhibitorIncludes measuring scoopUniversal mix - tested with Hydei, Golden Hydei, Melanogaster, and Turkish Gliders...
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