15 replies to this topic

[Thirsty]

The dresophila are back this year I just noticed a handful buzzing around my faucet nozzles. Had a real bad issue with them last year, so I hope to nip these in the bud this year. I just put some dishsoap and cider vinegar into my drip tray, and another vinegar trap next to it. I'll see if I can keep the body count up.

[strangebrewer]

I get these every year when I bring 1000lbs of crushed grapes into my house :scratch:I've found the best thing is to give them what they want. I use a tuperware container with enough wine to cover the bottom, plastic wrap over the top, and poke a bunch of holes in the plastic wrap with a fork. Takes about a week but I've gotten rid of them every time now with this method.

[RommelMagic]

I get these every year when I bring 1000lbs of crushed grapes into my house :scratch:I've found the best thing is to give them what they want. I use a tuperware container with enough wine to cover the bottom, plastic wrap over the top, and poke a bunch of holes in the plastic wrap with a fork. Takes about a week but I've gotten rid of them every time now with this method.

What, I guess they crawl in and drown?

[Thirsty]

What, I guess they crawl in and drown?

Exactly. They get in, with fortitude, but cant figure out how to get back out. When I set the traps up, I use a small throwaway deli cup, and put a 1/4 cup or so of cider vinegar, and a shot of dishsoap- which poions them also, not taking chances. Somebody last year (I think it was dj or stangbat) gave me the idea.

[CoastieSteve]

That war is being waged here too! I've NEVER seen them like they are this year... wife even went out and bought fly strips to assist with the wine traps and vinegar mix traps we have set out. The body count is staggering in only a day.

[Deerslyr]

Exactly. They get in, with fortitude, but cant figure out how to get back out. When I set the traps up, I use a small throwaway deli cup, and put a 1/4 cup or so of cider vinegar, and a shot of dishsoap- which poions them also, not taking chances. Somebody last year (I think it was dj or stangbat) gave me the idea.

I would hope that if you pout wine in there that they would have a hard time getting out! Think of the effects of alcohol on the body of something so miniscule...I'd love to be a "fly on the wall" for that one to see them "try" and get out. But frankly speaking, the alcohol alone would probably be enough to poison them to death.Reminds me of back home where these trees produced berries (inedible for human consumption) that just wouldn't fall off the branches and over time would ferment. The birds would eat the berries and literally not be able to fly straight due to intoxication.

[DaBearSox]

devil bugs...the red eyes are creepy

[MolBasser]

Dude, just start doing genetic experiments!One of the things I am most grateful for in my graduate career in science is that I didn't spend 7 years staring at drosophila in a dissecting scope.....BrewBasser

[RommelMagic]

Dude, just start doing genetic experiments!One of the things I am most grateful for in my graduate career in science is that I didn't spend 7 years staring at drosophila in a dissecting scope.....BrewBasser

Sounds like you missed out...

[DrunkenPanther]

arrrgh the flies have just started in our household as well. The vinegar route has done well for me in the past. Guess I will go that route again.....or flamethrower. Either one.

[Deerslyr]

arrrgh the flies have just started in our household as well. The vinegar route has done well for me in the past. Guess I will go that route again.....or flamethrower. Either one.

I'd opt for the flame thrower... but only if your house is made out of concrete. Otherwise, your homeowners insurance may have something to say about that.

[strangebrewer]

Interesting. I did not have any luck going the vinegar route. But when I switched to wine they were all over it. Clearly I have fruit flys with a much more evolved palate than the rest of you guys. Good thing they are still lousy swimmers.

[Deerslyr]

Interesting. I did not have any luck going the vinegar route. But when I switched to wine they were all over it. Clearly I have fruit flys with a much more evolved palate than the rest of you guys. Good thing they are still lousy swimmers.

I would expect a sweet white wine would be more attractive than something more dry? What are you using? (Not that I'd put my best Reisling out for the pests... but I'd at least want to put something that would attract them.)

[MtnBrewer]

I would expect a sweet white wine would be more attractive than something more dry? What are you using? (Not that I'd put my best Reisling out for the pests... but I'd at least want to put something that would attract them.)

Grape juice maybe?

[Thirsty]

I would expect a sweet white wine would be more attractive than something more dry? What are you using? (Not that I'd put my best Reisling out for the pests... but I'd at least want to put something that would attract them.)

Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill? or MD 20/20? or Cisco?

[Deerslyr]

Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill? or MD 20/20? or Cisco?

Ah... Boone's Strawberry Hill!!! The memories! When I was in college in Montana, we'd got the The Marysville House (a restaurant that was the only operating business in a ghost town)... they had exactly 3 things on the menu... Chicken, Steak and Fish. And just about the only alcohol you could get was a bottle of Boone's! Yeah, if that "fine wine" wouldn't attract fruit flies, I don't know what would.I'm sure Mogan David would do pretty good too, but I'm partial to Strawberry Hill.