Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have no idea why but i cant seem to get rid of flys in my turtle cage. I have never ever had this problem before, except for the last two or so litter changes. I use sterile coconut bark in their aquarium with a mesh lid. The flys are so annoying and gross as far i and i'm sure the turtles are concerned. I though that they had orginally gotten in the cage from some dirt in a plant's root but last time i caged the dirt i completly cleaned the cage out. Only put in coconut bark, food and water bowls and some lettuce seeds. I also put the plants back in but only after more or less pressure washing the roots. there was no dirt any where on them. The leaves were spotless. I think they are fruit flys if it helps. Any ideas to get rid of them?

We have seen a population explosion this year, too. I'm thinking that the wet weather here on the east coast has been a major factor. Sometimes this sort of thing is just weather related.
My turtles are outside, so I can't really do much about the flies there except pick up any uneaten food, but I also had a ton in my basement, so I got some of those old fashioned sticky fly-paper strips that peal out of the little cylinder. No pesticide, just low-tech sticky stuff, and it works great: made a huge difference in a day or two. Got them at Lowes, so Home Depot probably has them, too.
Good luck!
Stephanie

I can see how ur problem has evolved, but mine are inside with a mesh lid on the cage. I suppose it is the weather though, i live in louisiana so its always wet and gross. THanks,