Question about black soldier fly larvae

[FrankHomestead]

Will bsfll thrive during the winter in an outdoor bin? I'm thinking it's possible since it's basically a compost bin and compost heats up, but maybe it doesn't in the winter? totally new to this concept so your opinions and advice will be much appreciated

 

[rjohns39]

Will bsfll thrive during the winter in an outdoor bin? I'm thinking it's possible since it's basically a compost bin and compost heats up, but maybe it doesn't in the winter? totally new to this concept so your opinions and advice will be much appreciated

You'll probably need to provide heat for it in the winter. NWRedworms on youtube walks you through his adventure.

 

[lazy gardener]

Where are you? My understanding is that they can't take freezing temps. I would love to hear if any one has been successful over wintering them in an unheated green house. I'm thinking that they would not do well if a long season of dormancy was thrust upon them.

 

[FrankHomestead]

I'm in west Michigan. pretty long, sometimes brutal winters with tons of snow. which brings a whole new venture soon with winterizing my Chicky poos. eh. But thanks guys I was suspecting that would be the case, but I am hopelessly positive at times LOL

 

[lazy gardener]

I was also excited about the possibility of raising them here, but have not heard of any one successfully raising them in our climate.

 

[barred2rock]

Why not just feed the birds what you'd be feeding the BSFs?

 

[FrankHomestead]

I do give them fruit and veggie scraps but I want bsfl for animal protein. I might figure out an indoor mealworm or some other gross creepy crawly, as long as they can't get out lol

 

[rjohns39]

you may want to consider some form of fodder to provide greens during winter. fodder will grow in lower temps.

 

[FrankHomestead]

If I start the bsf outside and get it established, do you think it could survive the winter indoors? I mean without the bsf laying more eggs during that time...

 

[FrankHomestead]

you may want to consider some form of fodder to provide greens during winter. fodder will grow in lower temps.

I do grow fodder, do you think that could replace the benefits of bsf?