Segmented Worms in Sink are Black Soldier Fly Larvae

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“I have found several of these worms in the last few days”, writes this reader in her submission regarding the segmented, black, worm-like creature pictured below. “Usually in my bathroom sink. I am in Angleton, Tx. What are they?” Based on the photo alone, we have concluded that this is a black soldier fly larva (BSFL): the shape and clear-cut segmentation of this creature’s body is characteristic of a black soldier fly larva. Not to worry, black soldier fly larvae are not harmful to humans at all. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Black soldier fly larvae are somewhat of a phenomenon.

Black soldier fly larvae, as their name suggests, are the larval forms of the black soldier fly: a black, wasp-looking fly that looks for decomposing organic matter and lay their eggs nearby. This is because the food source for their larvae is decomposing organic matter, just like it is for so many fly species. Interestingly, unlike other fly species, they never lay their eggs directly on the food source. In any case, their presence in our reader’s home is likely due to there being some kind of rotting organic debris nearby the sink, or in the sink. We recommend that our reader clean her drains properly, using boiling water, bleach, and/or other cleaning agents such as baking soda and vinegar, or a designated drain cleaner. When it comes to the larvae themselves, we recommend scooping them onto a dustpan and moving them outside, where they will have plenty to munch on.

We absolutely do not recommend killing them, and this has to do with their aforementioned status as a phenomenon. In recent years, we have discovered more and more how multifaceted black soldier fly larvae are, and how much they can and will benefit humankind. Not only do they eat organic waste at a much faster rate than earthworms (for example), but they can digest far more materials than they can without suffering for it: like plastic. On top of that, their bodies are rich in nutrients, and since they do not carry parasites, pathogens, or disease, they are safe to eat, and could be the future of sustainable protein intake. Additionally, their poop does not come out in pellets like earthworms (which, if produced in high enough volumes, can actually over-aerate soil systems and dry them out), but instead comes out as ‘frass’: a powder-like substance. It takes longer for frass to ‘cure’ before it can be used as fertilizer, but it is much better for the soil. Likewise, given that black soldier fly larvae cannot carry harmful bacteria, neither can their waste.

In conclusion, the worms our reader has been finding in her sink are black soldier fly larvae. Despite their status as benefactors of the environment, we understand that finding any uninvited creatures in one’s home is not pleasant. That said, we think that if our reader moves the larvae outside and thoroughly cleans her drains (and consistently cleans them too), then she will prevent any future invasions of black soldier fly larvae. We hope this helps, and we wish our reader the very best!

 

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Segmented Worms in Sink are Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Article Name
Segmented Worms in Sink are Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Description
"I have found several of these worms in the last few days", writes this reader in her submission regarding the segmented, black, worm-like creature pictured below. "Usually in my bathroom sink. I am in Angleton, Tx. What are they?" Based on the photo alone, we have concluded that this is a black soldier fly larva (BSFL): the shape and clear-cut segmentation of this creature's body is characteristic of a black soldier fly larva. Not to worry, black soldier fly larvae are not harmful to humans at all. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Black soldier fly larvae are somewhat of a phenomenon.
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Author: Worm Researcher Anton

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