As a crested gecko owner, you’ve probably dealt with pesky fruit flies or fungus gnats buzzing around your gecko’s enclosure at some point. While these tiny flies aren’t dangerous, they can be a real nuisance. Luckily, there are several effective methods to get rid of them for good.
What Attracts Fruit Flies and Fungus Gnats
Fruit flies are drawn to fermenting fruits and vegetables. They lay their eggs on moist, organic materials like rotten produce. The larvae then feed on these decaying foods.
Fungus gnats are attracted to damp soil and decaying plant matter. They lay eggs in potting mix, where the larvae feed on roots and fungi Too much moisture in a crested gecko’s substrate provides the perfect breeding ground for fungus gnats
Both of these flies can enter a vivarium through small openings or by hitching a ride on foods offered to your gecko. Once inside, they can rapidly multiply if conditions allow it.
Why Get Rid of Them
While fruit flies and fungus gnats don’t directly harm crested geckos, they can be annoying for both you and your pet. Geckos may get stressed by the presence of buzzing insects in their homes. These flies can also invade your living spaces.
The larvae of fungus gnats feed on plant roots An infestation can damage live plants in a bioactive vivarium Getting rid of these pests protects your gecko’s habitat.
Effective Ways to Eliminate Fruit Flies and Fungus Gnats
Here are some simple, safe methods to eradicate fruit flies and fungus gnats in a crested gecko enclosure:
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Remove uneaten food daily. Don’t allow moist foods to sit and rot inside the tank. This deprives flies of breeding sites.
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Let the substrate dry out somewhat. Fungus gnat larvae require damp soil. Allow the top layer to dry a bit between mistings.
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Use a thin layer of sand, A shallow sand cap on soil prevents fungus gnats from laying eggs,
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Replace the substrate. Swap out old soil for fresh substrate to eliminate eggs and larvae.
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Set out traps. Create DIY traps with apple cider vinegar or fruit juice to draw and drown flies. Traps like Katchy work well too.
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Apply a drying agent. Lightly dust surfaces with diatomaceous earth or pyrethrin power to kill larvae.
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Use an eco-friendly spray. Spray down the tank and decor with a natural insecticide labeled safe for reptiles.
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Block possible entry points. Seal up any openings flies could use to get inside the vivarium.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you get rid of existing flies, take steps to keep new ones from invading:
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Remove uneaten food within a few hours to prevent rotting and fermentation.
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Allow the substrate to dry out between mistings. Use a moisture meter to monitor conditions.
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Quarantine new plants before adding them to an established vivarium.
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Inspect foods offered to your gecko for signs of flies or larvae.
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Keep the tank tightly sealed with a screen top.
With some diligence, you can keep annoying fruit flies and fungus gnats from bothering your crested gecko and habitat. Consistent removal of breeding sources combined with traps and drying agents will eliminate an existing infestation. Good tank hygiene prevents future fly issues.
While not harmful to geckos, fruit flies and fungus gnats in a crested gecko enclosure are a nuisance. Luckily, there are many easy and safe ways to get rid of them. By identifying and eliminating breeding spots, using traps, and keeping the tank clean, you can successfully eliminate these pests. With some effort upfront and good tank maintenance, your gecko can enjoy a fly-free home.
How To Deal W/ Fruit Flies: Breeding Crested Geckos
FAQ
Can crested geckos eat fruit flies?
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Fruit Flies as a Food Source:Fruit flies, particularly flightless fruit flies, can be a good source of protein for young or smaller geckos.
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Calcium Supplementation:While fruit flies can be a good food source, it’s important to dust them with calcium powder to ensure your geckos get enough calcium, especially if you aren’t providing UVB lighting.
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Other Insect Feeds:Besides fruit flies, other suitable insects for crested geckos include crickets, dubia roaches, and discoide roaches.
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Potential for Infestation:Be aware that leaving gecko food out for too long can attract fruit flies, so it’s important to remove uneaten food promptly.
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How to feed fruit flies:You can dust the fruit flies with calcium powder and then feed them to your geckos.
How do you get rid of fruit flies fungus gnats?
A simple, nontoxic, inexpensive, humane way to trap them is to place a banana peel inside a clear plastic container and make three or four holes in the cover with a standard round toothpick.
How can you tell the difference between fungus gnats and fruit flies?
However, a few features make them easier to distinguish: Color: Fruit flies range from tan to black. Fungus gnats are dark gray or black.
Are fungus gnats bad for a terrarium?
If it’s a closed terrarium, and by “gnats surrounding your terrarium” you mean “gnats in your terrarium”, they’ll likely die off eventually. Either way, they’re not harmful to plants–just annoying.