Farming and Agriculture - Black Soldier Fly larvea??

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.




View Full Version : Black Soldier Fly larvea??


roadhawg3
07-13-08, 09:20 PM
I have read some info on the Black Soldier Fly (BSF). Does anyone here know anything about them?
I have heard that they will digest and convert ordinary household waste into a high protein chicken or fish feed, and make a liquid fertilizer that you can add to your compost pile and or use in your garden or worm bed?
Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated.
There is a site called growgrubs.com that has some interesting info and pics etc.


twelvepole
07-14-08, 12:43 AM
Black soldier fly larvae consume decaying organic material. This fly is native to the SE US and not considered a pest because adults do not feed. The larvae are used in manure management programs. http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:olmGUvTzLXUJ:www.cals.ncsu.edu/waste_mgt/smithfield_projects/phase2report05/cd,web%2520files/A2.pdf+black+soldier+fly&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=us

Vermicomposting is done with the use of worms. http://www.compostguide.com/composting_worms.html
The black fly larvae are often used in combination with worms in vermicomposting to expedite decomposition. Their fecal matter also provides a food source for worms. After a couple weeks in the compost they leave to go pupate in the soil. If larvae convert too much compost to liquid and compost becomes too wet, then worm population will decline due to lack of oxygen.

http://insects.tamu.edu/images/insects/common/images/cd-43-c/img227.jpg

Black Soldier Fly Larvae

http://www.geocities.com/brisbane_flies/images/STRATI5.jpg
Adult Black Soldier Fly
Photo Credits: iVillage

roadhawg3
08-08-08, 09:45 AM
The more I read about the Black Soldier Fly, the better it gets!
Besides being a great super high protein feed for chickens, lizards etc, they also make a very good fish bait!
For every 100 lbs of kitchen scraps, they will produce 20 lbs of grubs! Amazing, a very beneficial insect no doubt!