One reader of ours sent us a picture of a black worm-like creature. It is about the size of a quarter and our reader was very curious about what it may be. After looking at the picture, there is a strong possibility that this is a black soldier fly larva.
Here is the picture that was sent to us:
Black soldier fly larva are very common and widespread. They belong to the Stratiomyidae family and are can often be found in compost heaps. The black soldier fly larvae are used to help with manure management and also for the bioconversion of organic waste materials. Many people also use them to help control the amount of house flies in their home.
Many farmers feed black soldier fly larvae to their chickens. They are very high in protein and calcium. The farmers have noticed that their chicken love to feed on the larvae. They are also eaten by animals such as turtles, dogs, fish, and pigs.
If our reader is finding these larvae in his home, they are more than likely coming up through the basement where there could be cracks or holes in the floor. They have a tendency to stay outdoors, but it is not shocking to find them inside of the home. They are not harmful to humans so our reader can rest assured knowing that.
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