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National Homebrew Club Ireland

General Discussions => Chit Chat => Topic started by: imark on August 10, 2013, 12:57:34 PM

Title: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: imark on August 10, 2013, 12:57:34 PM
Anybody else have problems with fruit fly up their taps? When I pour first glass I can expect between 1 and 6 of the buggers in my glass. Is there a simple fix?
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: johnrm on August 10, 2013, 01:01:01 PM
Cling film?
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: Shane Phelan on August 10, 2013, 02:33:57 PM
Faucet cap is the way to go, looks great too!

(http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/2435/uwks.jpg)
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: imark on August 10, 2013, 02:44:57 PM
Ah c'mon lads...that requires discipline!  ::)
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: Shane Phelan on August 10, 2013, 02:52:51 PM
Put one of these near the taps and provide a more attractive destination.

(http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8959/7c7s.jpg)
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: Paul on August 10, 2013, 04:29:00 PM
I bought these from Kegworks.com

http://www.kegworks.com/the-tap-soother-draft-beer-faucet-cap-412-p21089?_s_icmp=nextopia
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: Metattron on August 10, 2013, 06:02:32 PM
I keep a spray bottle with star san beside the taps and give a spray up the tap after pouring.  Never had any flies in my beer.
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: Will_D on August 10, 2013, 08:00:52 PM
Ahh FFS!! Just enjoy the extra protein hit!
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: Ciderhead on August 10, 2013, 11:44:16 PM
I use these fellas, http://www.homebrewing.org/Kleen-Plug-_p_1555.html
or a condom would do the same thing.
Or you could just catch them
http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Fruit-Fly-Trap/
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: Padraic on August 11, 2013, 12:03:30 AM
Quote from: imark on August 10, 2013, 12:57:34 PMIs there a simple fix?

Keep pouring until the keg is empty, don't give them a chance to get in there!
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: DEMPSEY on August 11, 2013, 05:25:23 AM
Get your  dog to give the tap a good lick before you pour.
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: imark on August 12, 2013, 10:03:58 AM
Decided to go with the diversionary tactic. Vinegar and cling film trap thingy.

Monitoring progress.
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: Eoin on August 12, 2013, 10:25:31 AM
A fruit fly trap is easy to make.

Get a jam jar, fill it to one third full with water, add the same again of vinegar, then add a tiny drop of washing up liquid.

Leave that near your tap until it starts to gross you out with all the dead flies in it.

The soap is vital as it drops the surface tension of the liquid and causes the flies to sink and not float on top of the water.
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: imark on August 12, 2013, 10:28:51 AM
Quote from: Eoin on August 12, 2013, 10:25:31 AM
The soap is vital as it drops the surface tension of the liquid and causes the flies to sink and not float on top of the water.
Wasn't aware of that. Will upgrade the trap this evening. Thanks
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: DEMPSEY on August 12, 2013, 10:42:04 AM
Quote from: Eoin on August 12, 2013, 10:25:31 AM
The soap is vital as it drops the surface tension of the liquid and causes the flies to sink and not float on top of the water.
Geez the things we learn from this hobby.  :)
Title: Re: Fruit fly in my beer tap
Post by: Eoin on August 12, 2013, 10:58:45 AM
Quote from: DEMPSEY on August 12, 2013, 10:42:04 AM
Quote from: Eoin on August 12, 2013, 10:25:31 AM
The soap is vital as it drops the surface tension of the liquid and causes the flies to sink and not float on top of the water.
Geez the things we learn from this hobby.  :)


I needed to sort something out, since the introduction of compost bins the fruit flies are out of control in the Summer.
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