3 replies to this topic

[SamKeepsAnts]

I have 2 queens who's first workers died so now I'm feeding them and I don't know if the fruit flies that came out of my apple are safe to feed them and are their any pesticides in them?

[Loops117]

You could always ask the fruit fies. Cuz they'll give you just as accurate answer as any of of us.

 

The problem with wild caught is that we don't know what they ate before you found them on an apple. They could have been in a garbage can eating and landing on diseased [censored]. They could have also came in contact with pesticides, and it just hasnt effected them yet. Most likely, you're safe. But there's always that "what if".

Edited by dspdrew, December 12 2016 - 4:36 PM.
Removed profanity

[Miles]

It's typically better to be safe than sorry, and wild-caught insects may have come into contact with pesticides, disease, or parasites. It is arguably better to culture your own feeder insects. It's quite easy, and I culture my own mealworms, fruit flies, and springtails. Fruit flies are especially easy, and you can pick up a tube of them from PetSmart or a jar from Petco.

[Serafine]

If they have been born in your home you can just hold them into freezing water for 5-10 seconds and remove all germs/parasites from them. After that you can even freeze them to be extra sure.