Re: [Killietalk] Fruit fly problems

[George& Melanie <caraway at erienet_net>]

Wm,
The excess humidity in your culture bottles is the result of inadequate 
ventilation. Make sure what ever you use as a stopper allows enough air 
to escape. this will keep the humidity level down. There are many things 
you can use, but I have had much success using the foam plugs. Fruit 
flies are an excellent food so do not give up on them.
George

wm crash wrote:

>Howdy,
>
>I am having some serious issues getting fruit flies cultures to last. The 
>reason for them not lasting is that the flies themselves get stuck on the 
>humid walls of the containers and die. I have tried several things from 1G 
>plastic containers to the small containers they are commercially sold in. 
>Either way, the flies get stuck on the container walls and die. When not 
>left in the purchase containers (with small drilled holes in the comer), the 
>containers are covered with a piece of sponge or cotton.
>
>I have had them at both 73F and at 76F, and the flies still get stuck and 
>die. I have had both the wingless and the flightless variety with no 
>difference.
>
>I am using the commercial blue fly media from Carolina, and I prepare it a 
>bit on the dry side so as not to add to the presumed humidity issue inside 
>the container. I add very very little yeast.
>
>Any help would be appreciated.
>
>thanks much,
>wm_crash, the friendly hooligan
>AKA #08840, SAA #162, SVAS #120, HOOLIGAN #1
>San Jose, CA
>
>
>Join the AKA at http://www.aka.org/aka/modules/content/index.php?id=9.
>Archives are at http://fins.actwin.com/killietalk/
>Modify your subscription at http://www.actwin.com/mailman/listinfo.cgi/killietalk
>  
>
Join the AKA at http://www.aka.org/aka/modules/content/index.php?id=9.
Archives are at http://fins.actwin.com/killietalk/
Modify your subscription at http://www.actwin.com/mailman/listinfo.cgi/killietalk