Black Soldier Fly Farming Training (2025) – Best BSF Farming Courses & Starter Guide
- BeyondForest
- Jun 3, 2024
- 12 min read
Updated: Jun 4
6.)List of best substrate for Black Soldier Farming
7.)Black soldier fly waste management process
8.)Black Soldier fly farming step by step
9.)Black Soldier Fly per Kilogram
10.)Black Soldier Fly as an animal feed
11.)Disadvantages of Black Soldier Fly Farming
12.)How to produce black soldier Fly larvae and eggs
13.)Black Soldier fly training and production cost
Mating occurs in bright, open areas since Black soldier flies are strongly attracted to sunlight
The Black Soldier Fly scientifically referred to as Hermetia Illucens is a common and widespread fly that is native to South America .The fly has increasingly gained attention due to its usefulness in recycling organic waste and generating animal feed and high protein content .
The frass (waste) produced by BSF larvae serves as a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, adding another revenue stream for farmers.
Image of Black Soldier Fly Larvae by Harris farm
This waste-to-protein conversion process significantly reduces the volume of organic waste and produces nutrient-dense larvae that can be harvested as animal feed.
Image of Black soldier fly love cages by Davis Atis
Black soldier flies have four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larvae stage is particularly important because it is during this time that they consume large amounts of organic material, transforming it into protein-rich biomass.
Image of Davis Atis working on organic waste
The Black Soldier Fly insect is known for its rapid life cycle and exceptional ability to convert organic waste into high-quality protein. Farmers cultivate black soldier flies by providing a substrate of organic matter, such as food scraps or agricultural by-products, where the larvae thrive.
BSF larvae are rich in protein (40–60%) and fat, making them an excellent alternative to traditional feeds like fishmeal and soy.
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Furthermore, black soldier farming promotes soil health. Once the larvae mature, the remaining organic material can be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer, enriching soil and improving crop yields.
Image of a cardboard used for Providing egg-laying place above the food source by Bruce Quinby
TO NOTE :10kg Pupae Out put capacity 35g of egg after every 2 days
Image of Black Soldier Fly Larvae
The larvae, rich in protein and fat, can be used as animal feed, significantly enhancing the nutritional value of livestock diets. This practice not only addresses waste management by recycling organic waste but also contributes to food security, especially in regions where traditional animal feed is costly or scarce.
How much is a black soldier fly per kg in Kenya?
The price of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae in Kenya varies based on their form (wet, dried, powdered) and the seller
Wet (Live) Larvae
Image of Davis Atis a Pro Black Soldier Farmer In Kenya
Commonly used by poultry and fish farmers cost 70Ksh –100Ksh per kg
Cost 100Ksh –150Ksh per kg:
Powdered BSF Larvae
This form is preferred for feeding fingerlings and young chicks due to its ease of digestion cost 1,000Ksh per kg:
Starter Colonies (Pupae or Neonates)
Ideal for farmers looking to start their own BSF farms. cost KSh 1,500–2,500 per kg:
What materials are needed for black soldier fly farming?
Image of Black Soldier fly on a net by David Atis
To start a Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farm, you’ll need a combination of infrastructure, equipment, and organic waste materials to support the growth of the flies through their full life cycle from egg to larva to pupa to adult what you will need is Rearing Infrastructure ,Tools & Supplies, Feedstock or Organic Waste, Environmental Control such as Thermometer and Hygrometer and Starter BSF Eggs or Larvae
Refresh attractants periodically to maintain strong odors, as flies are more likely to lay eggs in areas with fresh organic smells.
Yes, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming is profitable in Kenya, especially due to rising demand for alternative, high-protein animal feeds. BSF larvae contain up to 60% protein and are widely used in poultry and fish farming, offering a cheaper substitute to fishmeal and soy
How fast does black soldier fly grow?
Black Soldier Fly larvae grow rapidly, typically reaching full size within 10 to 14 days under optimal conditions (27–30°C and 60–80% humidity). After hatching, larvae feed aggressively, increasing body mass quickly. They enter the prepupal stage around day 15–20, ready for harvesting or pupation into adult flies.
How many eggs does a black soldier fly lay?
A single female Black Soldier Fly lays between 400 to 900 eggs in her lifetime, usually deposited in dry crevices near decomposing organic matter. The eggs hatch within 4 days under warm, humid conditions.
Yes, Black Soldier Fly larvae can feed on cow dung effectively. Cow dung provides essential nutrients for larval growth, especially when mixed with other organic waste.
What are black soldier flies attracted to?
What is black soldier fly farming?
This is the practice of raising black soldier flies to produce larvae, which can be used as a high-protein, sustainable feed source for livestock, aquaculture, and even pet food.
Animal Feed: The larvae are rich in protein, amino acids, and fats, making them an excellent feed ingredient for poultry, pigs, fish, and other livestock.
Fertilizer: The frass (larvae excrement) left after the larvae have digested the organic waste is nutrient-rich and can be used as a natural fertilizer for crops.
Biochemicals: Some by-products from BSF farming, like chitin (found in larvae exoskeletons), have industrial applications, including in pharmaceuticals and bioplastics.
What can be fed to black soldier fly larvae?
Black Soldier fly thrive on various organic materials, including food scraps, agricultural waste, and manure. This helps recycle waste effectively.
How do I start a black soldier fly farm?
Before you Begin Consider factors like temperature and humidity for optimal growth then setting up a suitable container, sourcing organic waste, and obtaining black soldier fly eggs or larvae.
Black Soldier Fly can easily replace livestock feed additives and ingredients like fish meal, Soya bean meal, lysine, methionine, cystine, and calcium-phosphorus-containing bone meal, phosphates, and lipids -His Faithfulness Farms and Feed Mill
Waste Reduction
BSF farming helps reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills by converting it into valuable feed and fertilizer.
Lower Carbon Footprint
BSF farming requires less land, water, and energy than traditional livestock farming, making it an eco-friendly protein source.
Sustainability
BSF farming creates a circular economy, turning waste into resources that benefit agriculture and food production.
How long does the life cycle of the black soldier fly take?
The entire life cycle, from egg to adult, takes about 40 to 45 days, depending on environmental conditions.
Rearing Black Soldier Fly is safe however good hygiene practices should be maintained to prevent disease and contamination.
Can black soldier fly larvae be used in human food?
Yes, larvae can be processed for human consumption, providing a sustainable protein source, but proper handling and preparation are crucial.
What regulations apply to black soldier fly farming?
Regulations vary by region. It's important to check local guidelines regarding insect farming, waste management, and animal feed.
Place attractants close to, but not directly on, the egg-laying substrate to prevent eggs from getting mixed in with the main larval substrate
A major key area to understand in BSF production is the actions & activities of the flies. Prior to introducing pupae into the fly cage, you must have fed your larvae well.
Image of black soldier fly mating
A good batch of pupae turns to flies at an expected time range. Beyond this time the pupae are no longer viable.
Males emerge first, find a place to rest then females start popping out.
Interestingly, you have more females flies than males. Increasing males to female ratio is key too for efficiency.
Look well to your flies. Males have their noticeable male organ for gripping & coupling females. Like a pair of scissors the females have their ovipositor for mating & egg laying.
Image of a black soldier fly insect diagram
A lot of competition occur before you see a female being mated by a male. No male mates more than one female.
That is male flies are not polygamous. And their females do not keep more than one "husband."
Image of a Black Soldier Fly
Black soldier flies (BSF) have a unique and fascinating mating process. BSF mating typically happens when the flies reach their adult stage, around 2-3 days after emerging from the pupal stage. The adult flies live for about 5-8 days but can be extended with good management and addictives, and their primary goal is reproduction.
Image of Black soldier fly on attractants
Mating occurs in bright, open areas since Black soldier flies are strongly attracted to sunlight. Males usually stay in sunny spots waiting for females, while females fly around to find a suitable mate. Mating tends to occur during the day when it's warm and sunny.
List of Materials needed for black soldier fly farming
Rearing Infrastructure
Image of black Soldier Love cage nets by Brian Atieno
Material | Purpose |
Rearing container/troughs | To hold the larvae and feed. Can be plastic basins, crates, metallic troughs, or concrete beds. |
Breeding cage / Fly cage | Mesh cage or room to house adult flies and facilitate mating and egg laying. |
Oviposition surfaces | Corrugated cardboard, wooden slats, or egg-laying boards for females to lay eggs. |
Collection trays | To collect prepupae |
Netting or mosquito mesh | Prevents escape of adult flies and entry of pests. |
Tools & Supplies
Sieve/strainer | Separates larvae from waste or frass. |
Weighing scale | Measures feed and larvae for consistency. |
Buckets / basins | For mixing and handling waste or larvae. |
Spray bottle | Keeps humidity levels ideal. |
Shovel or hand trowel | For turning waste and cleaning. |
Feedstock / Organic Waste
Fruit and vegetable waste | Banana peels, cabbage, mango skins, etc. |
Food scraps | Kitchen leftovers, ugali, rice, etc. |
Animal waste/manure | Chicken or pig manure (well-managed to avoid odor issues). |
A Thermometer and a Hygrometer are very essential to monitor both temperature and humidity
Image of Davis Atis a very Enthisiastic BSF trainer
Davis Atis | 0792 736841 |
His Faithfulness Farms and Feed Mill | 0703 820 5464 |
Harris Farm | 09027871669 |
Black Soldier Fly waste management process
The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) can consume as much as 70% of its own body weight in waste every day. For every kilogram of organic waste that it consumes, nearly 50 grams of protein are produced that can act as a feed supplement for commercial livestock such as poultry or fish has the ability to effectively convert organic waste into proteins which are an excellent source of animal feed.
Black soldier fly farming step by step
Image of black soldier fly breeding and mating process
STEP 1
A. Temperature and Humidity: Black Soldier Fly breeding thrives between 25-35°C (77-95°F) and 60-70% humidity levels. Maintaining these conditions is crucial for adult flies to mate and lay eggs.
B. Light: BSF flies need natural or artificial light for mating. Exposing the breeding area to at least 12 hours of light daily helps stimulate mating behavior.
C. Shelter: Ensure the breeding area is sheltered from wind, direct sunlight, and rain. Adult flies are most active in calm environments.
STEP 2
Setting Up the Insectarium
A. Purpose: The insectarium is where adult flies mate and lay eggs. It can be made using simple materials like wire mesh or netting to enclose a space where flies can thrive.
B. Dimensions: A small-scale farmer can start with an insectarium that is about 1 meter by 1 meter. For larger production, the size can be scaled accordingly.
C. Materials for Egg Laying: Provide egg-laying substrates such as corrugated cardboard, small wooden pieces, or other porous materials where flies can lay eggs.
D. Attracting BSF Flies: The easiest way to attract wild BSF flies is by placing organic waste or decaying matter in the insectarium. This waste acts as a food source for larvae and attracts flies to the breeding area.
STEP 3
Mating and Egg Collection
A. Mating Behavior: Adult BSF flies do not feed. They focus solely on mating and laying eggs during their short lifespan of about 5-10 days. Mating usually occurs in bright, sunny conditions or well-lit environments.
B. Egg Laying: After mating, female flies lay eggs close to organic waste or decaying material. Each female can lay between 500-900 eggs in small crevices.
C. Egg Collection: Carefully collect the egg-laying substrates (cardboard or wooden pieces) where the eggs are deposited. Place them in containers or directly above organic waste where the larvae will hatch and start feeding.
STEP 4
A. Incubation: BSF eggs take around 4-5 days to hatch, depending on the temperature and humidity levels. Ensure that the environment remains warm (around 27-30°C) for optimal egg hatching.
B. Hatching: When the larvae hatch, they will naturally move toward the organic waste provided as their food source.
STEP 5
Feeding and Growing Larvae
A. Organic Waste: BSF larvae are highly efficient at consuming a wide range of organic waste, including kitchen scraps, fruit and vegetable peelings, food processing byproducts, and manure. Provide ample waste for the larvae to feed on.
B. Larvae Density: Maintain the right density of larvae in the growing trays. Overcrowding can lead to slower growth, while too few larvae may not efficiently process the waste.
C. Growth Duration: BSF larvae typically grow for about 10-14 days, depending on the feeding conditions, temperature, and waste provided.
STEP 6
Harvesting Mature Larvae
A. Signs of Maturity: The larvae are ready for harvesting when they turn dark brown or black and start migrating away from the food source to find a dry area to pupate.
B. Harvesting Techniques: There are two common methods of harvesting:
I. Self-harvesting: Create a slope in the container where the larvae grow so that mature larvae can naturally migrate up the slope and fall into a collection bin.
II. Manual Harvesting: Scoop out the larvae manually when they reach maturity and transfer them to drying or processing units.
STEP 7
Breeding for a Continuous Cycle
A. Retaining Pupae: To maintain a continuous breeding cycle, retain a portion of the harvested larvae (about 10%) and allow them to pupate.
These pupae will turn into adult flies, ready to breed and lay eggs, ensuring a continuous larvae supply.
B. Pupation: Place the pupae in a dry, well-ventilated area to allow them to develop into adult flies. Within 10-14 days, adult BSF flies will emerge, completing the breeding cycle.
Avoid overly strong, decaying attractants that may attract pests like houseflies. Using moderately fermented material can achieve attraction without excessive odor
Food Waste
Kitchen scraps, fruit and vegetable peels, and leftover food are excellent substrates. They contain balanced nutrients that larvae can break down efficiently. Avoid overly salty or oily foods, as these can hinder larval growth.
Manure
Animal manure, particularly from poultry or livestock, is rich in nutrients and works well as a substrate. It also adds microbial activity that BSF larvae find beneficial. However, manure should be monitored for moisture and odor.
Agricultural Waste
Crop residues like corn husks, banana peels, and other agricultural by-products can serve as a substrate. Some agricultural waste may need to be broken down or blended to make it easier for larvae to consume.
Brewer's Grain
Waste from breweries, known as spent grain, is a good option due to its high protein content and moisture level, which supports quick larval growth.
Palm Kernel Meal or Soybean Meal
High-protein substrates like palm kernel and soybean meal can be added to supplement basic food waste, boosting larval growth and productivity.
Moisture and Aeration
BSF larvae thrive best in a substrate that’s moist but not waterlogged (around 60-70% moisture is ideal). Overly dry substrates can slow larval growth, while too much moisture can cause anaerobic conditions, producing foul odors and reducing larval health.
To attract adult BSF for egg-laying, specific attractants can be used around the breeding area
Fermented Fruits and Vegetables
Fermented banana, pineapple, or mango produces a strong aroma that attracts BSF females. Placing these fruits near egg-laying sites encourages females to deposit eggs.
Chicken or Fish Offal
This protein-rich material decomposes quickly, releasing a strong odor that can attract BSF adults. However, use these materials sparingly to avoid overly strong odors that may attract pests.
Fermented Rice or Wheat Bran
Mixing rice or wheat bran with a bit of water and allowing it to ferment for a few days creates a strong attractant. This mixture can be placed near the egg-laying zones.
Molasses or Sugar Solution
A diluted molasses or sugar solution can also serve as an attractant by creating a sweet smell that appeals to BSF.
Composted Organic Matter
A mix of composted food waste, manure, and bran emits a natural odor that mimics the substrate BSF are naturally drawn to for egg-laying.
Black Soldier Fly equipment price List
Black Soldier Fly Breeding Box Love Nest | 6,000Ksh |
Black Soldier Fly Frass | 30Ksh |
Black Soldier Fly Larvae | 1500Ksh |
BSF Waste Crashers | 80,000Ksh |
Initial Setup Costs
Establishing a black soldier fly farm can require significant investment in infrastructure, equipment, and materials for optimal breeding conditions.
Technical Knowledge Required
Effective farming requires understanding of the insect’s biology and the conditions necessary for growth, which may be a barrier for some farmers.
Labor Intensive
Regular monitoring and maintenance are needed, making the process labor-intensive, especially during initial setup and management.
Limited Market
Some consumers and livestock producers may be hesitant to accept insect-based feeds, limiting market opportunities.
Environmental Concerns
If not managed properly, large-scale farming could lead to issues like odors or attract pests, impacting nearby communities.
Competition for Feedstock
Sourcing organic waste can be competitive, especially in areas where multiple farms or businesses seek similar materials.
Seasonal Variability
Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can affect breeding cycles, leading to inconsistencies in production.
While growing, the field of black soldier fly farming lacks extensive research compared to traditional agriculture, which may pose challenges for optimization.
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