Frequently Asked Questions
What does BSF stand for?
Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens)
What is a black soldier fly?
Hermetia illucens is a common fly of the Stratiomyidae family. The BSF has recently become a huge topic in the compost world because of its ability to convert food scraps into useful product in a super fast speed. It can compost food waste most worm farmers avoid giving their worms to compost like meats with ease.
Are they safe to humans?
Black Soldier Flies generally stay away from humans. They don't eat and no sting or venom, so really have no way of harming humans. As their entire adult life is all about mating and reproducing, they generally will not be seen at all by humans.
How long does a BSF live?
Adult BSF's live for 5-8 days. In this time they must find a mate and lay eggs. The eggs take about 4 days to hatch, and then the larvae will take roughly 2 weeks before they are ready to pupate (become adults). When they are ready to pupate they will find a dry sheltered area to bury themselves in before taking roughly 2 weeks to emerge as adult BSF's. This is all assuming that perfect conditions are present. The length of a Black Soldier Flies life before it becomes an adult depends on several factors including weather conditions and how much food is available.
So what's so good about them?
BSF's in their pre-pupae larval stage are super efficient in converting waste to nutrients. As mentioned earlier, one square meter of BSFL will eat 15 kg daily and convert this waste to nutrients (they are 45% protein) which can feed poultry, reptiles, swine, fish, etc.
Is it a normal fly?
The beneficial black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is probably the best-known member of the Stratiomyidae family in the Diptera order. The adult fly looks like a wasp, buzz like a bee but does not sting like a bee or a wasp. Black soldier flies can be seen in bright, sunlit areas, resting on nearby structures or vegetation and frequenting flowers of the daisy and carrot families.
Why is this fly a beneficial insect?
They are one of the most beneficial flies in existence and are considered non-pests. The adult black soldier fly does not have mouthparts and does not feed upon waste. They do not bite, and as only the larva feed, are not associated with transmitting any diseases. When this fly is established in a bin in an area it outcompetes house flies and can be used to control fly problems around the compost heap. This fly also feeds on hazardous waste like faecal material from pets, cattle and horses. It also feeds on the waste from abattoirs and can be used to feed on the wet organic waste from land fills.
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