Beware of Fruit Flies!

Although the fruit fly is a perfect organism for studying genetics and developmental biology-  these little flies can very easily ruin a batch of wine if proper care is not taken. Fruit flies can carry the vinegar bacteria on their feet. If this gets in your wine- you can have some problems.

The best way to avoid fruit flies is to make sure your wine making area is clean of residual and spilled wine (fruit flies are attracted to wine and over-ripe fruit). Late summer is a favourite time of year for fruit flies so now is the time to keep your eye out for them.

If you notice you have fruit flies keep your wine protected before handling it. Always make sure your airlocks are clean and free of the bugs and are properly topped up with liquid (they’re small enough to fit through the tiny holes on the cap of your airlock).

There are simple traps you can make to get rid of fruit flies or you can simply place a glass of wine in the vicinity which will attract them. Once they start to drink the wine they will die and you can dispose of them… and you will have a much safer environment for your winemaking.

Cheers,

Carol (Wine Sense- Portage Avenue)

Filed under: General by WineSense