Black Soldier Flies Project

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is a common and widespread fly of the family Stratiomyidae. BSF is a fly that holds some really unique properties. Unlike the common house fly which is a pest, black soldier fly larvae play a similar role to that of redworms as essential decomposers in breaking down organic substrates and returning nutrients to the soil.

After mating, the females deposits egg masses of about 500 eggs near edges of decaying organic matter. The resulting larvae can devour a wide range of food scraps and waste materials, quickly converting leftovers into protein. The larvae are fed to animals, providing a protein-rich food source for livestock. Black soldier flies are renowned as being one of the most efficient waste recyclers of the insect world. 

Farming black soldier flies provides the opportunity for smallholder farmers to shift towards a more reliable, profitable and ultimately more sustainable source of protein for their animals.