Re: The urn I ordered from Happy Herbalist.

[Guest guest]

>This urn came with a cloth that had a line of biggish pin sized holes.

>I will not use it.

>The top is semi conical, meaning that when I put a cloth and rubber

>band on it, they both slip upwards and will not hold to the urn.

>It comes with a plastic thingy to hold down the cloth but it is not

>tight.

>The urn is great and has a spigot which is good for continous brew.

>I am baffled as to how I am going to secure it from vinegar flies.

>I may be part of the squeamish society and therefore am silly about

>flies and their spawn but I admit it and I cannot stand bugs and

>things playing around in what I am going to eat or drink. Not if they

>are big enough to see anyway.

There are two different problem insect-type invaders, fruit flies, and

vinegar eels.

All humans culturing kombucha agree that fruit flies are bad and must be

avoided.

Some human cultures are comfortable with the vinegar eels, but not

all. I'm not suggesting that you become comfortable with them; the only

reason I have talked about that aspect is because it is reassuring to know

that the vinegar eels are not a health issue.

So don't feel bad about not liking the idea of the vinegar eels, because I

don't either, even tho I know some humans think they are normal in vinegar.

But, the only way to avoid these insects is to make sure your cloth cover

is tight tight, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. I choose

vessels that have a lip at the top to hold on the cloth. Others use vessels

that don't have the lip, but have a straight side so it's less

important. A conical or upsloping top on which the rubber band would slide

upwards and off would not work for me.

If you cannot see your way clear to a solution on this, this may not be the

vessel for you.

--V

~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

--A.J. Muste

[Guest guest]

>This urn came with a cloth that had a line of biggish pin sized holes.

>I will not use it.

>The top is semi conical, meaning that when I put a cloth and rubber

>band on it, they both slip upwards and will not hold to the urn.

>It comes with a plastic thingy to hold down the cloth but it is not

>tight.

>The urn is great and has a spigot which is good for continous brew.

>I am baffled as to how I am going to secure it from vinegar flies.

>I may be part of the squeamish society and therefore am silly about

>flies and their spawn but I admit it and I cannot stand bugs and

>things playing around in what I am going to eat or drink. Not if they

>are big enough to see anyway.

There are two different problem insect-type invaders, fruit flies, and

vinegar eels.

All humans culturing kombucha agree that fruit flies are bad and must be

avoided.

Some human cultures are comfortable with the vinegar eels, but not

all. I'm not suggesting that you become comfortable with them; the only

reason I have talked about that aspect is because it is reassuring to know

that the vinegar eels are not a health issue.

So don't feel bad about not liking the idea of the vinegar eels, because I

don't either, even tho I know some humans think they are normal in vinegar.

But, the only way to avoid these insects is to make sure your cloth cover

is tight tight, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. I choose

vessels that have a lip at the top to hold on the cloth. Others use vessels

that don't have the lip, but have a straight side so it's less

important. A conical or upsloping top on which the rubber band would slide

upwards and off would not work for me.

If you cannot see your way clear to a solution on this, this may not be the

vessel for you.

--V

~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

--A.J. Muste

[Guest guest]

>This urn came with a cloth that had a line of biggish pin sized holes.

>I will not use it.

>The top is semi conical, meaning that when I put a cloth and rubber

>band on it, they both slip upwards and will not hold to the urn.

>It comes with a plastic thingy to hold down the cloth but it is not

>tight.

>The urn is great and has a spigot which is good for continous brew.

>I am baffled as to how I am going to secure it from vinegar flies.

>I may be part of the squeamish society and therefore am silly about

>flies and their spawn but I admit it and I cannot stand bugs and

>things playing around in what I am going to eat or drink. Not if they

>are big enough to see anyway.

There are two different problem insect-type invaders, fruit flies, and

vinegar eels.

All humans culturing kombucha agree that fruit flies are bad and must be

avoided.

Some human cultures are comfortable with the vinegar eels, but not

all. I'm not suggesting that you become comfortable with them; the only

reason I have talked about that aspect is because it is reassuring to know

that the vinegar eels are not a health issue.

So don't feel bad about not liking the idea of the vinegar eels, because I

don't either, even tho I know some humans think they are normal in vinegar.

But, the only way to avoid these insects is to make sure your cloth cover

is tight tight, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. I choose

vessels that have a lip at the top to hold on the cloth. Others use vessels

that don't have the lip, but have a straight side so it's less

important. A conical or upsloping top on which the rubber band would slide

upwards and off would not work for me.

If you cannot see your way clear to a solution on this, this may not be the

vessel for you.

--V

~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

--A.J. Muste

[Guest guest]

I bought my urn from the Happy Herbalist several months ago, and I love it.

The cloth I was sent was very very tightly woven- so perhaps you could ask for

an exchange. As for the rubber band and the lip, yes its very tricky, but

with a bit of perserverance you can learn how to attach it. I have had no

problems whatsoever, but once you get it on you cannot play with it or it

will come flying off. I have never had it come off unless I was deliberately

disturbing it. You might also exchange that piece of cloth for a square of

unbleached muslin or perhaps a man's handkerchief. I agree it would be much

easier if there were a better lip at the top, but keep in mind these " urns "

were designed to hold the 5 gallon water bottles. We have commandeered them for

our kombucha.

Zoe

Saturday, January 20, 2007, 12:47:09 AM, you wrote:

This urn came with a cloth that had a line of biggish pin sized holes.

I will not use it.

The top is semi conical, meaning that when I put a cloth and rubber

band on it, they both slip upwards and will not hold to the urn.

It comes with a plastic thingy to hold down the cloth but it is not

tight.

The urn is great and has a spigot which is good for continous brew.

I am baffled as to how I am going to secure it from vinegar flies.

I may be part of the squeamish society and therefore am silly about

flies and their spawn but I admit it and I cannot stand bugs and

things playing around in what I am going to eat or drink. Not if they

are big enough to see anyway.

[Guest guest]

I bought my urn from the Happy Herbalist several months ago, and I love it.

The cloth I was sent was very very tightly woven- so perhaps you could ask for

an exchange. As for the rubber band and the lip, yes its very tricky, but

with a bit of perserverance you can learn how to attach it. I have had no

problems whatsoever, but once you get it on you cannot play with it or it

will come flying off. I have never had it come off unless I was deliberately

disturbing it. You might also exchange that piece of cloth for a square of

unbleached muslin or perhaps a man's handkerchief. I agree it would be much

easier if there were a better lip at the top, but keep in mind these " urns "

were designed to hold the 5 gallon water bottles. We have commandeered them for

our kombucha.

Zoe

Saturday, January 20, 2007, 12:47:09 AM, you wrote:

This urn came with a cloth that had a line of biggish pin sized holes.

I will not use it.

The top is semi conical, meaning that when I put a cloth and rubber

band on it, they both slip upwards and will not hold to the urn.

It comes with a plastic thingy to hold down the cloth but it is not

tight.

The urn is great and has a spigot which is good for continous brew.

I am baffled as to how I am going to secure it from vinegar flies.

I may be part of the squeamish society and therefore am silly about

flies and their spawn but I admit it and I cannot stand bugs and

things playing around in what I am going to eat or drink. Not if they

are big enough to see anyway.

[Guest guest]

I bought my urn from the Happy Herbalist several months ago, and I love it.

The cloth I was sent was very very tightly woven- so perhaps you could ask for

an exchange. As for the rubber band and the lip, yes its very tricky, but

with a bit of perserverance you can learn how to attach it. I have had no

problems whatsoever, but once you get it on you cannot play with it or it

will come flying off. I have never had it come off unless I was deliberately

disturbing it. You might also exchange that piece of cloth for a square of

unbleached muslin or perhaps a man's handkerchief. I agree it would be much

easier if there were a better lip at the top, but keep in mind these " urns "

were designed to hold the 5 gallon water bottles. We have commandeered them for

our kombucha.

Zoe

Saturday, January 20, 2007, 12:47:09 AM, you wrote:

This urn came with a cloth that had a line of biggish pin sized holes.

I will not use it.

The top is semi conical, meaning that when I put a cloth and rubber

band on it, they both slip upwards and will not hold to the urn.

It comes with a plastic thingy to hold down the cloth but it is not

tight.

The urn is great and has a spigot which is good for continous brew.

I am baffled as to how I am going to secure it from vinegar flies.

I may be part of the squeamish society and therefore am silly about

flies and their spawn but I admit it and I cannot stand bugs and

things playing around in what I am going to eat or drink. Not if they

are big enough to see anyway.

[Guest guest]

Hi Zoe,

I could tell that the sequence of tiny holes in one line of the

weave only was a machine flaw and I told Ed that I was not worried

about it, just asked what he would advise as a good substitute.

When I got my tea ready and could not keep the cloth on the top I

wondered if my cloth may be too slippery (I cut up one of my

husbands linen shirts and then tried a t-shirt). I didn't contact HH

about this as I can see the design is just this way and nothing he

could do about it. I didn't know though that the urn was originally

for water bottles. With the ring in the picture of it, it look like

it had a lip.

I will however keep working with it. DH got a heavier cloth this

morning and put it on with the ring over it and weighed that down to

keep it tighter but I have seen how slippery these little flies can

be so I will certainly keep a close eye on it.

Sandy

>

> I bought my urn from the Happy Herbalist several months ago, and

I love it. The cloth I was sent was very very tightly woven- so

perhaps you could ask for an exchange. As for the rubber band and

the lip, yes its very tricky, but with a bit of perserverance you

can learn how to attach it. I have had no problems whatsoever,

but once you get it on you cannot play with it or it will come

flying off. I have never had it come off unless I was

deliberately disturbing it. You might also exchange that piece of

cloth for a square of unbleached muslin or perhaps a man's

handkerchief. I agree it would be much easier if there were a

better lip at the top, but keep in mind these " urns " were

designed to hold the 5 gallon water bottles. We have commandeered

them for our kombucha.

>

> Zoe

[Guest guest]

Hi Zoe,

I could tell that the sequence of tiny holes in one line of the

weave only was a machine flaw and I told Ed that I was not worried

about it, just asked what he would advise as a good substitute.

When I got my tea ready and could not keep the cloth on the top I

wondered if my cloth may be too slippery (I cut up one of my

husbands linen shirts and then tried a t-shirt). I didn't contact HH

about this as I can see the design is just this way and nothing he

could do about it. I didn't know though that the urn was originally

for water bottles. With the ring in the picture of it, it look like

it had a lip.

I will however keep working with it. DH got a heavier cloth this

morning and put it on with the ring over it and weighed that down to

keep it tighter but I have seen how slippery these little flies can

be so I will certainly keep a close eye on it.

Sandy

>

> I bought my urn from the Happy Herbalist several months ago, and

I love it. The cloth I was sent was very very tightly woven- so

perhaps you could ask for an exchange. As for the rubber band and

the lip, yes its very tricky, but with a bit of perserverance you

can learn how to attach it. I have had no problems whatsoever,

but once you get it on you cannot play with it or it will come

flying off. I have never had it come off unless I was

deliberately disturbing it. You might also exchange that piece of

cloth for a square of unbleached muslin or perhaps a man's

handkerchief. I agree it would be much easier if there were a

better lip at the top, but keep in mind these " urns " were

designed to hold the 5 gallon water bottles. We have commandeered

them for our kombucha.

>

> Zoe

[Guest guest]

Hi Zoe,

I could tell that the sequence of tiny holes in one line of the

weave only was a machine flaw and I told Ed that I was not worried

about it, just asked what he would advise as a good substitute.

When I got my tea ready and could not keep the cloth on the top I

wondered if my cloth may be too slippery (I cut up one of my

husbands linen shirts and then tried a t-shirt). I didn't contact HH

about this as I can see the design is just this way and nothing he

could do about it. I didn't know though that the urn was originally

for water bottles. With the ring in the picture of it, it look like

it had a lip.

I will however keep working with it. DH got a heavier cloth this

morning and put it on with the ring over it and weighed that down to

keep it tighter but I have seen how slippery these little flies can

be so I will certainly keep a close eye on it.

Sandy

>

> I bought my urn from the Happy Herbalist several months ago, and

I love it. The cloth I was sent was very very tightly woven- so

perhaps you could ask for an exchange. As for the rubber band and

the lip, yes its very tricky, but with a bit of perserverance you

can learn how to attach it. I have had no problems whatsoever,

but once you get it on you cannot play with it or it will come

flying off. I have never had it come off unless I was

deliberately disturbing it. You might also exchange that piece of

cloth for a square of unbleached muslin or perhaps a man's

handkerchief. I agree it would be much easier if there were a

better lip at the top, but keep in mind these " urns " were

designed to hold the 5 gallon water bottles. We have commandeered

them for our kombucha.

>

> Zoe

[Guest guest]

I have flies constantly accumulation on top of the cloth, but so far none

has been able to get inside. Do watch when you use the pour spout, they

cluster around there too and sometimes fall into my glass. A quick flick

and they are gone.

If I hold my hands just right and carefully don't disturb it while releasing I

can use the rubber band and it stays on just fine- but it is an art of

dexterity to do so. Im thinking a solid collar of the correct size might

just work better.

zoe

Saturday, January 20, 2007, 10:05:27 AM, you wrote:

Hi Zoe,

I could tell that the sequence of tiny holes in one line of the

weave only was a machine flaw and I told Ed that I was not worried

about it, just asked what he would advise as a good substitute.

When I got my tea ready and could not keep the cloth on the top I

wondered if my cloth may be too slippery (I cut up one of my

husbands linen shirts and then tried a t-shirt). I didn't contact HH

about this as I can see the design is just this way and nothing he

could do about it. I didn't know though that the urn was originally

for water bottles. With the ring in the picture of it, it look like

it had a lip.

I will however keep working with it. DH got a heavier cloth this

morning and put it on with the ring over it and weighed that down to

keep it tighter but I have seen how slippery these little flies can

be so I will certainly keep a close eye on it.

Sandy

> I bought my urn from the Happy Herbalist several months ago, and

I love it. The cloth I was sent was very very tightly woven- so

perhaps you could ask for an exchange. As for the rubber band and

the lip, yes its very tricky, but with a bit of perserverance you

can learn how to attach it. I have had no problems whatsoever,

but once you get it on you cannot play with it or it will come

flying off. I have never had it come off unless I was

deliberately disturbing it. You might also exchange that piece of

cloth for a square of unbleached muslin or perhaps a man's

handkerchief. I agree it would be much easier if there were a

better lip at the top, but keep in mind these " urns " were

designed to hold the 5 gallon water bottles. We have commandeered

them for our kombucha.

> Zoe

[Guest guest]

Since I still have not purchased a scoby, I have not started brewing

yet...are flies the norm when you are brewing KT in the home? I

don't have any flies...in the summer, we're in TX and outside we get

flies really bad so they do trail in the house which we swat them

immediately. but does everyone who brew KT have a fly infestation

around their KT jar?? Is there any way around it???

>

> > I bought my urn from the Happy Herbalist several months ago,

and

> I love it. The cloth I was sent was very very tightly woven-

so

> perhaps you could ask for an exchange. As for the rubber band

and

> the lip, yes its very tricky, but with a bit of perserverance

you

> can learn how to attach it. I have had no problems whatsoever,

> but once you get it on you cannot play with it or it will come

> flying off. I have never had it come off unless I was

> deliberately disturbing it. You might also exchange that piece

of

> cloth for a square of unbleached muslin or perhaps a man's

> handkerchief. I agree it would be much easier if there were a

> better lip at the top, but keep in mind these " urns " were

> designed to hold the 5 gallon water bottles. We have commandeered

> them for our kombucha.

>

> > Zoe

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

V- do you have a vessel that you can recommend that has a spigot? I

do not want one that the cloth or rubber band easily pops or slips

off...just one more thing for me to worry about. Thanks,

>

>

> >This urn came with a cloth that had a line of biggish pin sized

holes.

> >I will not use it.

> >The top is semi conical, meaning that when I put a cloth and

rubber

> >band on it, they both slip upwards and will not hold to the urn.

> >It comes with a plastic thingy to hold down the cloth but it is

not

> >tight.

> >The urn is great and has a spigot which is good for continous

brew.

> >I am baffled as to how I am going to secure it from vinegar flies.

> >I may be part of the squeamish society and therefore am silly

about

> >flies and their spawn but I admit it and I cannot stand bugs and

> >things playing around in what I am going to eat or drink. Not if

they

> >are big enough to see anyway.

>

> There are two different problem insect-type invaders, fruit flies,

and

> vinegar eels.

>

> All humans culturing kombucha agree that fruit flies are bad and

must be

> avoided.

>

> Some human cultures are comfortable with the vinegar eels, but not

> all. I'm not suggesting that you become comfortable with them;

the only

> reason I have talked about that aspect is because it is reassuring

to know

> that the vinegar eels are not a health issue.

>

> So don't feel bad about not liking the idea of the vinegar eels,

because I

> don't either, even tho I know some humans think they are normal in

vinegar.

>

> But, the only way to avoid these insects is to make sure your

cloth cover

> is tight tight, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. I

choose

> vessels that have a lip at the top to hold on the cloth. Others

use vessels

> that don't have the lip, but have a straight side so it's less

> important. A conical or upsloping top on which the rubber band

would slide

> upwards and off would not work for me.

>

> If you cannot see your way clear to a solution on this, this may

not be the

> vessel for you.

>

> --V

>

>

>

> ~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

> --A.J. Muste

>

[Guest guest]

V- do you have a vessel that you can recommend that has a spigot? I

do not want one that the cloth or rubber band easily pops or slips

off...just one more thing for me to worry about. Thanks,

>

>

> >This urn came with a cloth that had a line of biggish pin sized

holes.

> >I will not use it.

> >The top is semi conical, meaning that when I put a cloth and

rubber

> >band on it, they both slip upwards and will not hold to the urn.

> >It comes with a plastic thingy to hold down the cloth but it is

not

> >tight.

> >The urn is great and has a spigot which is good for continous

brew.

> >I am baffled as to how I am going to secure it from vinegar flies.

> >I may be part of the squeamish society and therefore am silly

about

> >flies and their spawn but I admit it and I cannot stand bugs and

> >things playing around in what I am going to eat or drink. Not if

they

> >are big enough to see anyway.

>

> There are two different problem insect-type invaders, fruit flies,

and

> vinegar eels.

>

> All humans culturing kombucha agree that fruit flies are bad and

must be

> avoided.

>

> Some human cultures are comfortable with the vinegar eels, but not

> all. I'm not suggesting that you become comfortable with them;

the only

> reason I have talked about that aspect is because it is reassuring

to know

> that the vinegar eels are not a health issue.

>

> So don't feel bad about not liking the idea of the vinegar eels,

because I

> don't either, even tho I know some humans think they are normal in

vinegar.

>

> But, the only way to avoid these insects is to make sure your

cloth cover

> is tight tight, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. I

choose

> vessels that have a lip at the top to hold on the cloth. Others

use vessels

> that don't have the lip, but have a straight side so it's less

> important. A conical or upsloping top on which the rubber band

would slide

> upwards and off would not work for me.

>

> If you cannot see your way clear to a solution on this, this may

not be the

> vessel for you.

>

> --V

>

>

>

> ~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

> --A.J. Muste

>

[Guest guest]

V- do you have a vessel that you can recommend that has a spigot? I

do not want one that the cloth or rubber band easily pops or slips

off...just one more thing for me to worry about. Thanks,

>

>

> >This urn came with a cloth that had a line of biggish pin sized

holes.

> >I will not use it.

> >The top is semi conical, meaning that when I put a cloth and

rubber

> >band on it, they both slip upwards and will not hold to the urn.

> >It comes with a plastic thingy to hold down the cloth but it is

not

> >tight.

> >The urn is great and has a spigot which is good for continous

brew.

> >I am baffled as to how I am going to secure it from vinegar flies.

> >I may be part of the squeamish society and therefore am silly

about

> >flies and their spawn but I admit it and I cannot stand bugs and

> >things playing around in what I am going to eat or drink. Not if

they

> >are big enough to see anyway.

>

> There are two different problem insect-type invaders, fruit flies,

and

> vinegar eels.

>

> All humans culturing kombucha agree that fruit flies are bad and

must be

> avoided.

>

> Some human cultures are comfortable with the vinegar eels, but not

> all. I'm not suggesting that you become comfortable with them;

the only

> reason I have talked about that aspect is because it is reassuring

to know

> that the vinegar eels are not a health issue.

>

> So don't feel bad about not liking the idea of the vinegar eels,

because I

> don't either, even tho I know some humans think they are normal in

vinegar.

>

> But, the only way to avoid these insects is to make sure your

cloth cover

> is tight tight, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. I

choose

> vessels that have a lip at the top to hold on the cloth. Others

use vessels

> that don't have the lip, but have a straight side so it's less

> important. A conical or upsloping top on which the rubber band

would slide

> upwards and off would not work for me.

>

> If you cannot see your way clear to a solution on this, this may

not be the

> vessel for you.

>

> --V

>

>

>

> ~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

> --A.J. Muste

>

[Guest guest]

Fruit flies, yes they are normal

Saturday, January 20, 2007, 2:03:03 PM, you wrote:

Since I still have not purchased a scoby, I have not started brewing

yet...are flies the norm when you are brewing KT in the home? I

don't have any flies...in the summer, we're in TX and outside we get

flies really bad so they do trail in the house which we swat them

immediately. but does everyone who brew KT have a fly infestation

around their KT jar?? Is there any way around it???

> > I bought my urn from the Happy Herbalist several months ago,

and

> I love it. The cloth I was sent was very very tightly woven-

so

> perhaps you could ask for an exchange. As for the rubber band

and

> the lip, yes its very tricky, but with a bit of perserverance

you

> can learn how to attach it. I have had no problems whatsoever,

> but once you get it on you cannot play with it or it will come

> flying off. I have never had it come off unless I was

> deliberately disturbing it. You might also exchange that piece

of

> cloth for a square of unbleached muslin or perhaps a man's

> handkerchief. I agree it would be much easier if there were a

> better lip at the top, but keep in mind these " urns " were

> designed to hold the 5 gallon water bottles. We have commandeered

> them for our kombucha.

> > Zoe

>

[Guest guest]

>I will however keep working with it. DH got a heavier cloth this

>morning and put it on with the ring over it and weighed that down to

>keep it tighter but I have seen how slippery these little flies can

>be so I will certainly keep a close eye on it.

>Sandy

Sandy, I thought later that a possible solution might be to use a larger

cloth and attach the rubber band further down on the vessel where it is

sloping outward rather than inward.

--V

~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

--A.J. Muste

[Guest guest]

>I will however keep working with it. DH got a heavier cloth this

>morning and put it on with the ring over it and weighed that down to

>keep it tighter but I have seen how slippery these little flies can

>be so I will certainly keep a close eye on it.

>Sandy

Sandy, I thought later that a possible solution might be to use a larger

cloth and attach the rubber band further down on the vessel where it is

sloping outward rather than inward.

--V

~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

--A.J. Muste

[Guest guest]

>I will however keep working with it. DH got a heavier cloth this

>morning and put it on with the ring over it and weighed that down to

>keep it tighter but I have seen how slippery these little flies can

>be so I will certainly keep a close eye on it.

>Sandy

Sandy, I thought later that a possible solution might be to use a larger

cloth and attach the rubber band further down on the vessel where it is

sloping outward rather than inward.

--V

~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

--A.J. Muste

[Guest guest]

>Since I still have not purchased a scoby, I have not started brewing

>yet...are flies the norm when you are brewing KT in the home? I

>don't have any flies...in the summer, we're in TX and outside we get

>flies really bad so they do trail in the house which we swat them

>immediately. but does everyone who brew KT have a fly infestation

>around their KT jar?? Is there any way around it???

>

These are house flies, . These are fruit flies, the little tiny

ones. They are a concern, just as if you had ripe bananas sitting

around. They love KT. However, there are ways to manage them. But that

is why the tight cover is necessary, to keep them out.

--V

~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

--A.J. Muste

[Guest guest]

>Since I still have not purchased a scoby, I have not started brewing

>yet...are flies the norm when you are brewing KT in the home? I

>don't have any flies...in the summer, we're in TX and outside we get

>flies really bad so they do trail in the house which we swat them

>immediately. but does everyone who brew KT have a fly infestation

>around their KT jar?? Is there any way around it???

>

These are house flies, . These are fruit flies, the little tiny

ones. They are a concern, just as if you had ripe bananas sitting

around. They love KT. However, there are ways to manage them. But that

is why the tight cover is necessary, to keep them out.

--V

~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

--A.J. Muste

[Guest guest]

>V- do you have a vessel that you can recommend that has a spigot? I

>do not want one that the cloth or rubber band easily pops or slips

>off...just one more thing for me to worry about. Thanks,

I don't use one. Bev does, and she may have the link. It's made of glass.

I use the Anchor Hocking cookie jars in the 2-gal size. I have not yet

done a continuous brew, mine are all the brew-and-decant type.

The jars with spigot are for continuous brewing. But I've really been

wondering lately why you couldn't just stir the continuous brew and ladle

it out a glass at a time. Sure, the spigot is convenient, but I haven't

been able to reconcile myself with the plastic.

Anyway, Bev may have a link for you.

--V

~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

--A.J. Muste

[Guest guest]

>This is just a very 'old fashioned' thought - when I was young, many

>people had circles of muslin or net cloth with hemmed edges trimmed

>with lots of heavy beads which they used tio use to keep flies/wasps

>out of their food bowls and drinks jugs.

>

>That would also work with a conical container, I would think - if

>there were enough beads providing enough weight to keep it tight

>across the top. It could even look pretty, too!

>Adrienne

I think this is a beautiful idea, but not for a kombucha vessel. I'm sure

it works for a short time, like an afternoon at a picnic, but it would not

be as safe for something like the KT which is ongoing, 24/7. The fruit

flies are tiny and very determined, so they can and will wiggle through

anything that has a little opening, and there would be spaces available

around the edges of the beads, even if the cloth were tight across the top.

The need for the rubber band is to create a continuous tight seal around

the cloth. The cloth doesn't even have to be tight across the top if the

rubber band is on it.

--V

~~~ There is no way to peace; peace is the way ~~~~

--A.J. Muste

[Guest guest]

> Sandy, I thought later that a possible solution might be to use a

larger

> cloth and attach the rubber band further down on the vessel where it

is

> sloping outward rather than inward.

>

> --V

Wow, I hadn't thought of that. That might work! I can certainly find

something big enough to give it a try. That urn and I have been

slipping and sliding all day lol.

Thanks V

[Guest guest]

> Sandy, I thought later that a possible solution might be to use a

larger

> cloth and attach the rubber band further down on the vessel where it

is

> sloping outward rather than inward.

>

> --V

Wow, I hadn't thought of that. That might work! I can certainly find

something big enough to give it a try. That urn and I have been

slipping and sliding all day lol.

Thanks V

[Guest guest]

I am in Texas too, and the flies being discussed are not the same as the

flies outside in the summer. Fruit flies are the little tiny buggers that

flit around the fruit and veggies that are on our counters. Someone some

time ago suggested brewing in the bathroom where there was less chance of

fruit flies disturbing the work. Since we have two bathrooms that are always

clean and seldom used, we decided to do that. The brew is out of the way, no

one is disturbing or moving it, and there are no fruit flies. Our thanks to

whomever made that suggestion. We are currently brewing four small

containers in one bath and a five-gallon continuous brew in another, and we

have been doing the four containers for several months now. We have very

healthy cultures that seem to be thriving. So far, knock on wood, no mold

and no bugs.

Joyce

Dallas TX