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

Fruit Fly Cultures 3 Pk - Flightless - 2x Turkish Gliders Dart Frog Lizard Food

Dover, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

Live fruit flies are a great option for feeding small lizards and many species of frogs, especially because of their reproduction cycle. Each culture of Flightless Fruit Flies, and 2x Turkish Gliders has a lifespan of about one month, and even after they die, they will continually pupate from eggs laid by the adults in the culture! This will allow you to keep fruit flies for a while, as long as they are taken care of accurately. Our Cultures been known to last 3 months or longer. ... view on ebay

TC INSECTS Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Fly Culture 32oz Live Feeder Insects

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

$8

Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Flies
These Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Flies are extremely prolific and make an excellent feeder for small reptiles, amphibians, dart frogs, slings, and other tiny insect-eating pets. Their small size and reliable production make them a favorite for keepers who need a steady supply of easy-to-use feeders
Each culture is grown in a 32oz cup with our Super Swarm Media, a premium blend packed with high-quality ingredients to support strong production and healthy ... view on ebay

producing- Completely Wingless melanogaster 32oz Fruit Fly Culture

Vienna, Georgia, 310**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5

Live arrival voided during extreme temps above 95 degrees HEAT PACK OPTION AVAILABLE IF YOUR TEMPS WILL BE low
Will have excelsior for surface area
DISCLAIMER: as we enter summer temps, there is a risk that cultures will not arrive alive or producing, because of this I have included a ice pack option.
wingless melanogaster 32oz Fruit Fly Culture .
producing will be about a week old Please order accordingly! Due to winter season, live guarantee is voided if left in mailbox or ... view on ebay

Fruit Fly Culture 4Pack Variety Live Wingless Turkish Gliders Golden and Hydei

Dover, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$35

Welcome to our listing for a Fruit Fly Culture 4Pack Variety! This product is perfect for those in need of a live food source for their reptiles and small frogs
The 4 pack includes Wingless Turkish Gliders, Golden, and Hydei flies. These fruit flies are perfect for feeding reptiles and small frogs, as they are flightless and will stay in the enclosure for a longer period of time. Our product comes from Crazy Frog Lady L L.C, a trusted brand in the industry
... view on ebay

!!MELANOGASTER COMBO PACK!! - Flightless Fruit Fly Culture - LIVE FEEDER INSECT

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

$70

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Drosophila melanogaster (x1 CULTURE)
"Golden" Drosophila melanogaster (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 ... view on ebay