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

Josh's Frogs Melanogaster Fruit Fly Media, 3 lbs. Makes 20-30 Fruit Fly Cultures

Kidder, Missouri, 646**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$29

Josh's Frogs Melanogaster Fruit Fly Media, 3 lbs. Makes 20-30 Fruit Fly Cultures
CONDITION: New in a sealed 3 lb. bag
Josh??s Frogs Melanogaster Fruit Fly Media is a scientifically formulated, dry mix designed specifically to breed high yields of Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies. This 3 lb (2 7-quart) bag contains over 10 cups of dry media, which yields approximately 20 to 30 individual cultures depending on your portion size. It is a staple item for exotic pet hobbyists breeding ... more

flightless fruit fly culture(FREE SHIPPING)

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15

The "flightless fruit fly culture" likely refers to a unique type of pet supply specifically designed for reptile enthusiasts. This product may offer a specialized environment or habitat for maintaining flightless fruit flies as pets, providing reptiles with a food source or interactive experience. It could potentially include features such as a container for housing the flies, a substrate for burrowing, and perhaps accessories for monitoring or feeding the flies. This product would cater to ... more

32oz Flightless Fruit Fly Culture

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

$12

32oz Flightless Fruit Fly Culture.
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Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Wingless Melanogaster)

Ogden, Utah, 844**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$16

Wingless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster). Condition is New. These flightless fruit fly cultures come in a 32oz cup with a ventilated lid, excelsior wool and culture mix. It will come with 100 adult flys that will already be laying new generations upon arrival. For best practices, do not use flys until 5 days after first generation hatches to ensure new generation. These cultures will last you several weeks. Shipped with USPS First Class
... more

Terrarium Vent ( Fruit Flies Proof) Set Of 4

Pembroke, North Carolina, 283**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15

Set of 4 Secure Terrarium Vents - Escape-Proof for Flightless Fruit Flies
Product Overview
Upgrade your terrarium setup with these premium, custom-fit ventilation covers. Designed specifically for hobbyists, these vents allow for essential airflow while providing a 100% secure barrier against even the smallest feeder insects, such as flightless fruit flies (Drosophila)
Whether you are keeping dart frogs, mantids, or other sensitive species, our vents ensure your enclosure remains ... more