BSFL vs. Crickets vs. Mealworms: Which Feeder Insect Is Best for Reptiles?
BSFL, crickets, and mealworms compared on Ca:P ratio, protein, fat, and ease of home production. Find out which feeder insect is best for your reptile.
Thoughts from the Grubhouse
Science-backed guides on Black Soldier Fly Larvae farming, composting, and live feed for chickens and reptiles. Written by Travis at Blue Grub Farms.
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27 posts · Newest firstWhat Are Black Soldier Fly Larvae?
Black Soldier Fly Larvae are efficient composters and nutritious feeder insects. Learn what BSFL are, their lifecycle, and why reptile owners raise them.
My BSFL bin is too wet! What can I do?
Excess moisture is the #1 killer of a healthy Black Soldier Fly colony. Here's what's happening, why it matters, and four ways to dry it out fast — without k...
Ammonia Isn't Killing Your BSFL. It's Starving Them.
The smell most keepers think is dangerous is actually a signal of something else entirely. Here's what's really happening in your bin.
Black Soldier Fly Farming for Beginners: A Complete Starting Guide
Everything you need to know to start your first BSF colony — from picking your first bin to harvesting your first prepupae.
How to Compost with Black Soldier Fly Larvae
The complete walkthrough — from sourcing your first batch of larvae to harvesting frass on a weekly cycle.
How to Collect Black Soldier Fly Eggs: A Complete Guide
How a gravid female chooses where to lay — and how to give her exactly what she wants so you get reliable clean egg collection.
How to Start a Black Soldier Fly Colony from Pupae
Pupae are the most reliable way to start a colony — here's the day-by-day playbook from arrival to first eggs.
BSFL as Human Food: Where the Science and Regulations Actually Stand
BSFL are nutritionally impressive, approved for human consumption in the EU, but not yet FDA-approved in the US. Here's the honest breakdown.
Can BSFL Break Down Plastic? What the Research Actually Shows
There's real research on BSFL and plastic degradation, but the results are more nuanced than the headlines suggest. Here's what scientists have actually found.
Can BSFL Process Pet Waste? What Actually Works and What Doesn't
BSFL can break down dog and cat waste, but pathogen safety requires more than just larvae. Here's the honest picture on pet waste bioconversion.
How Much Waste Can BSFL Actually Process? The Real Numbers
BSFL can reduce organic waste by 50 to 75% and convert a meaningful percentage into their own biomass. Here's what the research says, and what it looks like ...
