Question Breeding Black Soldier Fly Larvae

[Perry]

G'day,
I have looked on the site for information on Making a BSF Larvae Breeding Trap. I have seen some Do it your self traps on You Tube. I would like to make an Sealed Trap that will produce the Larvae successfully. I was thinking of a box type with a lid about 3 ' x 3 '. Apparently these Larvae are great food for Chooks.
If anybody has made one like I would like to make I would like to receive information and maybe a photo or plan.
Cheers Perry

 

[ClissAT]

Hi Perry, I have never made one but I have inadvertently bred BSF when my compost got too wet!
Maybe try that I see what happens. It doesn't seem to take very long for them to appear.
Considering the size of the larvae, you would think the fly itself would be huge.

 

[Perry]

G'day ClissAT,
Thank you for your reply.
I think we all have had that problem. I have seen one on You Tube that will not cost too much to make. It is designed to be self collecting.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...3F644F5DD61006CCFE813F644&fsscr=0&FORM=VDMCNR
I know that once I have made one and it is working well, my mates will want me to make one for them for sure.
Cheers Perry

 

[Mataeka]

I also have them - I have old plastic tubs that used to have radiator fluid (mechanic hubby) and just chucked composty type things in it - suddenly I had larvae. I initially drowned a whole bunch of them thinking they were maggots or something of the like But when another bunch appeared I googled what they were and realised how bad my mistake was. Once you've got them the smell they produce (not a strong odour - but something the flies obviously smell) attracts more flies to lay their eggs so they stay pretty well in place. I read they need a large area to fly and reproduce so you'd need a large area if you wanted it to be totally self contained.

 

[Perry]

G'day Mataeka,
I have made a trap and have put rotten meat, dog poo, rockmelon but so far nothing. I have two worm farms and 4 garden compost bins. I place the trap near them in full sun. I went to the Recycling and managed to get the material for a large enclosed trap.
I have asked my friends if they have heard of them, most of them haven't. A Bird Breeder seems very interest and when I am up and running he wants to copy the set up.
Cheers Perry

 

[Mataeka]

Yeah I'd actually be keen on selling them as a little side hustle for chooks or from what I've found lizards/fish etc. But ive zero idea of how to source out customers for that

Heat and damp seem to be two things they thrive on. The more rotten it smells the more it'll attract them initially apparently - although I've gotta say I never allowed my heap to smell too much since its on a balcony and I didn't want the neighbours intervening...

 

[Perry]

G'day Mataeka,
Thank you for your reply. Still nothing in my trap. Hopping soon. Gum tree is the way to go if you have something to sell. CHEAP. Food for Chickens, Quails, Lizards & Fish. That will bring an interest. If you put FREE They will come banging on your door.
Cheers Perry

 

[Mataeka]

Ahh there's an idea Perry - Might look into that! Thanks