FRUIT FLIES

[Teaganb7]

Hey everyone, asking for some help. We are really struggling with fruit flies?
How do you guys manage or set up a routine with your parrots (I have an 18month old male eclectus) for their fruit and veg intake?
I usually put half a cup in morning and night and he will pick away at it as he won’t just eat lots morning and night, so then I’m not sure I can take it out during the day, but then we get lots of fruit flies pls help

 

[LaManuka]

Hey everyone, asking for some help. We are really struggling with fruit flies?
How do you guys manage or set up a routine with your parrots (I have an 18month old male eclectus) for their fruit and veg intake?
I usually put half a cup in morning and night and he will pick away at it as he won’t just eat lots morning and night, so then I’m not sure I can take it out during the day, but then we get lots of fruit flies pls help

I make an old-fashioned fruit fly trap, using an old jar with red wine vinegar in the bottom, a little squirt of dishwashing detergent in it to break the surface tension of the vinegar. They find the vinegar smell irresistible and the detergent breaks the surface tension so they fall in and can't get back out. Cover the top of the jar with cling wrap with a few holes poked in it and voila! Your fruit fly problem may not disappear entirely but it will be greatly reduced!

 

[rheashard2]

I make an old-fashioned fruit fly trap, using an old jar with red wine vinegar in the bottom, a little squirt of dishwashing detergent in it to break the surface tension of the vinegar. They find the vinegar smell irresistible and the detergent breaks the surface tension so they fall in and can't get back out. Cover the top of the jar with cling wrap with a few holes poked in it and voila! Your fruit fly problem may not disappear entirely but it will be greatly reduced!

I've done the same. Especially needed after bringing home bananas. I use small wide jars that I use for my crafting. I can place them around kitchen or area. They're wide enough to resist being knocked over. Conspicuous enough so I will investigate why the jar is out of place. Especially if I forget reason for location.

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

I use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar. Works like a charm!!

 

[DonnaBudgie]

You should get a fruit bowl that has a fine bug net cover to keep those flies out of your fruit. You can buy them with a built in net cover or get a separate net tent-like cover. Keeping your fruit and tomatoes in a closed cardboard box helps too. Keep your kitchen trash covered and your sink clean. Combined with using fruit fly traps, you should be able to get this under control.

 

[Any Name You Wish]

I've had the same issue in the past. Using vinegar & dish soap + vacuuming the cage (including ropes, perches, bars of cage) every day helps. I would also put stoppers in your sink - they sometimes like to make home there.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

With 20 budgies in 7 cages, if I had to wash the cages, perches, etc every day I wouldn't have time for the rest of life and would probably have to get rid of my birds. Controlling fruit, vegetables and garbage in the kitchen should be enough to get them under control.