Imagine a universe where tiny creatures are able to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. Enter the BSFL, or black soldier fly larvae. These little creepy crawlers, or wrigglers, aren’t your typical creepy crawlies. They’re natures dried insects bulk.
Let’s first talk about the superpower of eating. These larvae will eat anything organic. Food waste? The animals will eat it faster than you can say, “compost.” The transform the leftovers to rich compost, protein-packed biomass and other products. The best part is that they do it enthusiastically! They are like the vacuum cleaners for the insect world but without the annoying sound.
After their frenzied eating, you may be wondering what will happen to these fatty little critters. The answer is that they don’t simply disappear. Farmers and pet-owners are turning more to BSFL, a sustainable feed source for animals. These BSFL are packed with protein and fat, making them a perfect meal for chickens. Imagine being able to feed your pets something which once reduced landfill waste. Now that’s a win!
In terms of sustainability, the larvae require only minimal resources in order to flourish. Unlike traditional livestock farms that guzzle water and land as if there is no tomorrow, BSFL agriculture is refreshingly low maintenance. You only need a tiny bit of food scraps here and there to get the colony going. The colony will flourish.
Wait, there’s more. This insect poop (called frass) is an excellent fertilizer. It enriches soils with nutrients plants love. Not only do these insects help manage wastes and provide feedstock, they also contribute healthier crops.
Switching gears, let’s tell a story about my friend Dave. He tried to raise BSFL in the backyard of his home last summer. Imagine Dave, an urban dweller without any experience in farming, who decided to get fresh eggs from happy chickens fed with sustainable feed. After a bit of research (and possibly too many late night documentaries), Dave decided to feed his chickens black soldier fly larve.
Dave set up a DIY BSFL container using kitchen scraps and old crates that would have been thrown out anyway. Dave was able to get his hens to lay eggs in no time while reducing household food waste.
It’s not just him; this method is gaining popularity because it is both environmentally and economically beneficial.
It’s not all rosy, though. Raising these animals requires some patience. You’ll be rewarded if you are able to endure watching the squirmy bugs eat through piles of leftover mush every day.
The potential benefits provided by black soldier flies larvae extend far beyond pest control and quirky backyard projects that go right. They present real opportunities in agriculture sectors across the globe seeking sustainable alternatives to growing ecological concerns.
The next time someone says that insects will save humanity someday, keep in mind those tiny maggots mowing away relentlessly behind the scenes. They might just be opening up new paths to a brighter future!