help- flies

[sarahwhitetiger]

Hi, fruit flies have invaded the tank.

Im cleaning out but want to get rid of the remaining flies. would like to remove snails from the room and then spray fly spray but how long do i need to leave it before returning the snails to the treated room?
I do not want to hurt my snails

[Sarah]

I wouldn't fly spray the room - any remaining residue will be hatmful to your snails. Remove the snails and tank, give them a thorough cleanout to remove any flies/maggots/pupae, and make sure there is nothing organic in that room for 48 hours (fruit bowl etc). Replace snails and tank. If the problem re-occurs, replace the foodstuffs a couple of times a day for a few days to get rid of eggs and maggots

[ade2009]

I had a fly problem for a short while, i cleaned out all the tank and placed flystrips in every room, within 2 days all was clear
Ade

[coyote]

You can construct your own fruit fly trap by placing a paper funnel (rolled from a sheet of notebook paper) into a jar which is then baited with a small piece of fruit (banana works well) or a few ounces of cider vinegar. Place the jar trap wherever fruit flies are seen. This simple but effective trap will soon catch any remaining adult flies which can then be killed or released outdoors.

[sarahwhitetiger]

Thanks!
They have had a good clean out and ive put mesh firmly over all holes in the tank so flies can no longer get in!

Horrible things I do not have any fruit/ veg in my room so im glad they have gone!

[kanin]

Good that the flies are gone, just thought if anyone else has this problem; predatory mites will predate on the fruitflies larva and pupae aswell as other mites. Alltough getting predatory mites to get rid of fruit flies may be an overkill.

[morningcoffee]

When I notice flies hanging around trying to get into the snail tank in summer, I move my carnivorous plants into the room around the outside of the tank (venus fly trap, drosera sundew, and a pitcher plant). The flies "disappear" quickly and the plants get a good meal

[zoe1011]

possibly a dumb question, fruit flies, are they the litle ones? dark body little wings? clumbsy flyers? and very anoying!!? as i have had these in my tank and are almost impossible to get rid of
thanks
zoe

[sarahwhitetiger]

Hi, think they were. It took ages but they have finally gone.