Re: Re: Another new Kombucha brewer - question fruit flies

[Guest guest]

I use cloth napkins or cloth handkerchiefs. I also rubber band them onto the

jar. My second strategy is, I think it is wise to go to a wider rubber band for

that certain 2/gal jug because a thin band probably leaves space in the folds of

the cloth that are just the right size that flies could get through that one.

That jug is the same size all the way up to the top and it has a lid. So it is a

wider mouth than my other jugs.

My other jugs seem fine, so far. Until I find a large, fat rubber band, I have

multiple rubber bands around it to hold it tighter.

And it seems that any fruit, whether it is fresh or over-ripe, will attract

those things. Even food left on the stove uncovered will draw them.

I think our warm weather is over for now so I can't really try the bay leaf, but

that is a great idea. Something to repel them. I even wonder if diatomaceous

earth would work. I never thought to try that idea until right now. If we have

any surprise warm weather before the end of the year and they come out in force

again, I will keep those two things in mind to try.

Lyn

----- Original Message -----

Hi EveryOne,

Be sure to use a fine weave cloth and secure it to your brewing container with a

strong rubber band or other tie.

It seems to help to put a few bay leaves on top of the cloth cover over your KT

fermenting container. Be sure to use a cloth like tea shirt material or similar

not cheese cloth which will allow fruit flies and even ants into your brew.

If you have any over ripe fruit out on your counter, put it away, it attracts

fruit flies too.

If you do get fruit flies or their lava on or in your KT use it for external

uses or chickens or whatever but probably best not to drink it.

Peace, Love and Harmony,

Bev

> >>

> > My first scoby became infested with fruit fly larvae the very first week

> > (and I had it covered!). So I had to throw it out. I gave it to the

> > chickens.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Don't let them free. They will just be right back inside your house. You don't

have to be humane about fruit flies. Just let them stay in the jar and die.

My bait traps are cone traps or vinegar jars with the cover on top with little

sprinkle holes. But, like I said, the bugs like the big targets of CB jugs I've

got all around better than those little vinegar bottles.

----- Original Message -----

I had a problem with them this summer. If I see a fruit fly now, I

leave out a glass with a little kt. They go there and eventually

drown. There is a humane way to do it too. Put a piece of banana in a

jar. Then make a funnel with a thick piece of paper. The base of the

funnel is at the bottom. They usually get trapped and then you can let

them free outside.

Holly Skodis

www.thediamondelephant.com