This is a black soldier fly larva, or BSFL for short. Black soldier fly larvae are famous composting organisms because of their supreme ability to break down organic materials and return nutrients to the environment. In fact, some people even buy BSFL and breed colonies to be used for composting. Readers sometimes discover these organisms in their homes near their garbage cans or composting bins, and even once near the body of a dead rabbit that a dog had dragged in.

Black soldier fly larvae eat organic materials and organic waste, which means that a toilet could be a reasonable home for a BSFL. BSFL aren’t considered parasites or even known to be harmful or dangerous in any way. They don’t bite or sting, and they aren’t known to transmit human diseases. In other words, we have no idea how or why this BSFL might have come from our reader. If she thinks it’s a possibility or is nervous about her health, then we encourage her to see a doctor as soon as possible. We aren’t medical professionals and therefore don’t feel comfortable administering medical advice!

We think it more likely that the BSFL has been feeding on organic waste already in the toilet or toilet drain. We recommend that our reader give her toilet a thorough scrubbing in order to remove whatever food source is attracting the attention of this larva. She can use a cleaning agent that is designed to removed organic material and a pipe cleaning brush. Hopefully once her toilet is successfully cleaned, these larvae won’t be an issue!

In conclusion, a reader reached out to us about a black soldier fly larva she found in her toilet. We don’t know if the larva came from her own body or was already in the toilet, but we recommend she go to the doctor if she is worried about her health and clean her toilet.