Wiggly Wonders: A Beginner’s Guide to Buying and Storing Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Well, hello there, budding entomologist, and welcome to the curious world of Black soldier fly larvae! Before you go throwing these wiggly wonders into the basket, let’s take a stroll down the buggy boulevard. They have more buzz going on than a gossip column, not to mention nature’s own little recyclers, turning food waste into gold-or, rather, chicken food. Read here for more information https://www.premiumfeeders.ca/pages/dried-insects

First off, where does one find the critters? Certainly not at the corner store. There are online retailers that serve as magic portals for live larvae or ones offering dried alternatives. For the absolute freshest, straight-from-the-farm variety, you may even be able to find local farmers or gardening centers selling them. That’s like stumbling upon treasure in your very own backyard, except with a hell of a lot more legs.

Now, on to buying tips: not like picking a ripe tomato, but an eager eye does help. Look for lively and well-fed wrigglers because slow-moving larvae simply aren’t going to cut the mustard. Reputation means everything in sellers, rather like in choosing a life mate. Reviews are your best friends-listen to what other buyers have to chirp about.

Now, on to the zen of storage-the art and science mashed up like peanut butter and jelly. Fresh larvae like it cool and dark. They are sort of like little vampires sans the capes and fangs. A crisper drawer in the fridge is just the spot and closes in on their preferred, natural environment. Too bad they couldn’t pen you a nice thank-you note for being so hospitable.

Whichever the case, moving these little wriggle machines has panache. Fancy a tale of mishaps? There was this old farmer who forgot to tie up the box of larvae whenever he had to transport it on this bumpy road, and voilà-the car became a wriggle party on wheels. Lesson? Always check that lid’s tight as a bug-literally.