Hi PetBakery

When mentioning that the flies weren't flying, it got me thinking that you might have Black soldier flies. You could go the below address and check. This is what Kelly Slocum, a very well informed person, has to say about them. However I don't know if this is the only kind of small black fly one can get in a worm bin.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/verm/msg0401113220154.html

I don't know how big these flies are. Maybe Kelly will come soon and specify. I saw one or two small black flies in one of my bins. It didn't fly. I coudn't see any larvae though. Maybe I have few Black soldiers flies and I don't know it.

Hope this help. Sylvie

Hi Sylvie,

Thanks, but that's not what they are. I've had an outbreak of soldier flies before. I'll never forget those larvae :) These are something completely different.

I've moved the cider traps to inside the bins which is working much better. The flies are climbing right up the sides and toppling in. The population seems to be doing just fine even with this obstacle though.

Hi PetBakery,

Could you tell me how big the Black soldier flies are compared with the house flies or the fruit flies?

Why won't you forget about the soldier fly larvae? What was so terrible about them?

Sylvie

I am here to tell all of you that soldier fly larva are a vastly superior composting (sorry Kelly) organism than are vermi. They are also LESS icky, yucky, and repulsive than vermi. You just need to get to know them. In addition, when they become soldier flys, they just hang around a little, don't bother anyone, and disappear after a day or so. If you become infested with them, thank your lucky stars. The worms will absolutely love sharing space with them, and will, in fact, thrive because of them.

What's not to like about a little bug that is nothing but an eating machine, not particular about the condition of the bin, and doesn't flee at the least little moment of discomfort?

Treat them with a little more respect and you'll get many happy returns.

Chuckiebtoo

3 years ago I freaked out about these creatures. KSlocum calmed me down and explained how these guys existed. I was not happy about seeing them or the funky smell that I still associate with them. Familiarity is a great thing and I now know how to help them appear and cheer when they do. Chuckiebtoo, I agree.

Well Chuckie,
I'll have to take your word for fact on the B.S.F. since I've not had any. Not sure I want any.

Just wondering tho, how many do you have to put on a 3/0 hook to catch the interest of a catfish?? :0)

bruce

By the way, been missing your posts and I'm glad your back. Guess your worm trauma in Austin knocked you off track!!:0)

I think maybe my comment was taken the wrong way here. I loved the soldier fly larvae and wouldn't mind them coming back. I don't think they're around here though since I've never gotten larvae. The ones I had very briefly came with a shipment of worms.

As for the un-flies.... they're identical to fruit flies (aka gnats) in every way, including size. I now have nearly full traps in the bins. They're merrily flinging themselves into the apple cider vinegar.

Just wondering tho, how many do you have to put on a 3/0 hook to catch the interest of a catfish?? :0)

Just one, Bruce, but the trick is to use him as a top water with no weight. It's hard, but hook him so his little legs will cause real tiny ripples on the surface. A little tedious, but well worth the effort. The more mature darker colored ones stay on the hook a lot longer, I've been told.

An alternative is to use the larva as a pre-bait conditioner. The worms will thrive and grow much more eating the larva, uh...litter. Just another link in the food chain.

Chuckiebtoo

If I ever get BSF I'll try the top water hooking method!

Although, it might require an iced chest of Miller due to the tediousness of the hook placement process.

Beer is not just for breakfast anymore!:0)

bruce

Black Soldier flies are roughly two to three times the size of houseflies, slow flying, and almost never in our homes (though they can sometimes get caught in garages when the doors are left open for extended periods).

I've never seen an infestation of small flies that did not fly! Interesting! Still, there are many small fly species common to HEALTHY worm bins. That their presence does not mean the bin has a prblem does not make them any less annoying, however.

The small flies in the bin come in as eggs and larvae present on the peels of uncooked fruits and veggies. We can prevent their introduction to the system by either freezing the feedstock solid for roughly three days, or microwaving until bubbly before adding to the bin. This kills eggs and larvae before they are placed in the system. Controlling these flies in outdoor systems is neither necessary nor possible.

To control an indoor fly outbreak innoculate the bin with beneficial nematodes (available at most garden centers) which are microscopic worms that feed on the fly larvae, interupting their life cycle. When used in conjunction with pretreatment of feedstock the nematodes usually control fly outbreaks in ten days or less.

And Bruce, I thought you were talking about beer! Miller = swill. Try a Fat Tire some time!

Kelly S

Kelly,

I have a Fat Tire, all the time, right above my belt!!

Actually, I drink very little beer because it "does" taste like swill, but, if I can find a Fat Tire around here I'll give it a shot

bruce

bruce