BSFL - Care

Care and Maintenance of Feeder Black Soldier Fly Larvae

 

Storing BSFL:

You can keep your BSFL in the containers they arrive in or you can place them in a larger container if needed and/or if you are housing larger numbers.  Room temperature or placed in a cooler spot of your home will ensure longevity.  BSFL may also be placed in a wine style refrigerator not colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Temperature Considerations:

Black Soldier Fly Larvae can tolerate temperatures down to 45/50 degrees and as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit.  Keeping them at room temperature will allow for approximately 2-5 weeks of use (depending on size ordered) before they start to pupate and start the transformation to becoming a fly.  

 

Humidity:

Larvae contain a high amount of moisture and will expel that moisture within their container creating a moist environment especially if at higher temperatures, so don’t be alarmed if you see moisture within their container.  Please keep in mind that if larvae can access a wet surface or they are wet from rinsing, etc. they can climb most surfaces.  We recommend to dry off your larvae with paper towels before feeding if they have come into contact with a wet environment.

 

Bedding:

The bedding you receive with your order is supplied for the absorption of moisture that may be given off by your larvae as they are in transit.  If you find heavy moisture build up or the smell of ammonia, you can change the bedding if needed.  You can use a variety of substrates to include: Shredded paper towels, coir fiber, aspen shavings, raw oats, etc.  

 

Feeding:

While not necessary to feed or water BSFL, some may want to gut load or feed their larvae to obtain a larger size. Larvae can consume almost any food based items with the exception of bone, etc.  If you want to feed your larvae, you can offer them food scraps, fruit, or moistened chicken feed.  They consume food at a fairly rapid rate.

 

Noise/Odor:

BSFL give off no noise, but they can expel ammonia, especially if fed.  Black Soldier Fly Larvae expel ammonia as a by-product of processing the protein within their system.  When you receive your BSFL, upon opening, you may smell ammonia which is due to them processing remnants of feed during shipment.  Ensure your larvae and bedding are dry and the odor will dissipate.  In the rare case you have larvae die before feeding, they will begin to give off odors due to decomposition.  Remove any bad larvae as soon as possible and/or replace the bedding/substrate.