From Kitchen Scraps to Chicken Treats: Building a BSF Composting System

Are you tired of overflowing compost bins and the endless cycle of hauling kitchen scraps to the curb? Do you dream of a more self-sufficient homestead, where waste becomes a valuable resource? What if I told you there was a way to turn your food waste into a protein-packed treat for your chickens (or other livestock!) and a rich soil amendment for your garden? It's time to discover the magic of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) composting.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae are nature's tiny recyclers, and they can transform your waste management practices, enriching your homestead in more ways than one. This guide will walk you through building and maintaining your own simple BSFL composting system. Get ready to turn waste into wonder!

Understanding Black Soldier Fly Larvae - Nature's Recyclers

Black soldier fly larvae teeming within a composting bin, actively breaking down food waste.

Let's start with the basics: what exactly are black soldier flies? Black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) are beneficial insects known for their larvae's voracious appetite for organic matter. Unlike common houseflies, adult black soldier flies don't bite, don't carry diseases, and are generally not a nuisance. They are efficient decomposers, breaking down kitchen scraps, garden waste, and even manure much faster than traditional composting methods.

The life cycle of the black soldier fly is key to understanding how the composting system works. The flies lay eggs near a food source. These eggs hatch into larvae (the BSFL) which are the composting powerhouses. The larvae go through several stages of growth, consuming organic matter along the way. Once they are ready to pupate, they will self-harvest to find a dry safe space, eventually metamorphizing into adult flies. The adults mate, lay eggs, and the cycle begins anew.

One of the greatest benefits of BSFL composting is the nutritional value of the larvae themselves. They are incredibly high in protein and fat, making them an excellent supplemental food source for chickens, ducks, pigs, or even reptiles! Imagine cutting down on your feed costs while simultaneously reducing your waste – that's the power of BSFL.

Debunking the "Fly" Myth: A common concern is that introducing flies will worsen pest problems. However, the presence of BSFL can actually reduce other fly populations. The BSFL compete with other fly larvae for resources, effectively controlling their numbers.

Building Your Simple BSFL Composting System

A close-up view of black soldier fly larvae efficiently devouring an assortment of organic kitchen scraps, highlighting their decomposition abilities.

Building a BSFL composting system doesn't require fancy equipment or advanced construction skills. Here's a simple and effective method using readily available materials:

Materials:

• Plastic Bin: A dark-colored plastic bin with a lid (approximately 20-30 gallons). Dark colors help retain heat, accelerating the composting process. You can often find these used for cheap.
• Drill: For creating drainage and ventilation holes.
• Mesh Screen: To cover ventilation holes and prevent other insects from entering.
• Hot Glue Gun (or Silicone Sealant): To secure the mesh screen.
• Ramp: A piece of wood or plastic tubing to act as a self-harvesting ramp. A piece of PVC pipe cut lengthwise works well.
• Collection Container: A bucket or container to collect the self-harvested larvae.
• Bricks or Blocks: To elevate the bin for drainage.

Instructions:

1. Drill Drainage Holes: Drill several drainage holes in the bottom of the bin to prevent waterlogging.
2. Drill Ventilation Holes: Drill ventilation holes near the top of the bin, ensuring good airflow.
3. Secure Mesh Screen: Cover the ventilation holes with mesh screen and secure with hot glue or sealant.
4. Install Ramp: Position the ramp so that one end rests inside the bin and the other end leads to the collection container outside the bin. The slope of the ramp should be gentle enough for the larvae to crawl up easily.
5. Elevate the Bin: Place the bin on bricks or blocks to allow for proper drainage.
6. Add a "Starter" Layer: Add a layer of coconut coir, shredded paper, or aged compost to the bottom of the bin to provide a base for the larvae.

Alternative System Designs:

• Stacking Bins: Use two bins, one inside the other. Drill holes in the bottom of the top bin for drainage and ventilation. This allows the liquid compost ("leachate") to collect in the bottom bin.
• IBC Tote System: A larger-scale system using an intermediate bulk container (IBC tote) is suitable for larger homesteads with more waste. Modify the tote by cutting out a section for the ramp and installing a drainage system.
• Bucket System: For very small-scale composting, a simple bucket with drainage holes and a lid can be used.

No matter which design you choose, remember that proper drainage and ventilation are crucial for a successful BSFL composting system.

Feeding and Maintaining Your BSFL Compost

What can you feed your hungry larvae? Black soldier flies are not picky eaters! They will happily consume a wide variety of organic waste, including:

• Kitchen scraps (vegetable peelings, fruit cores, coffee grounds, eggshells)
• Garden waste (grass clippings, leaves, weeds)
• Coffee grounds
• Manure (in small quantities, particularly from herbivores like rabbits or chickens)

What to Avoid:

• Large quantities of meat or dairy (can attract unwanted pests and cause odors)
• Oily foods (can slow down decomposition)

Maintaining Optimal Conditions:

• Moisture Levels: The compost should be moist but not soggy. Add water if the compost appears dry, or add dry materials like shredded paper if it's too wet.
• Temperature: BSFL thrive in warm temperatures (70-90°F).
• Odor Control: A properly functioning BSFL system should have minimal odor. If you notice a foul smell, it could be due to overfeeding, excessive moisture, or the presence of prohibited materials.

Troubleshooting Common Problems:

• Slow Decomposition: This could be due to low temperatures, insufficient moisture, or lack of food.
• Odor: As mentioned above, address the cause of the odor immediately.
• Lack of Larvae: If you don't have larvae, you can purchase BSFL eggs or larvae online or from a local supplier. You can also attract wild black soldier flies by leaving out some food scraps in a warm, sunny location.

Feeding Schedule: Monitor your system and adjust the feeding schedule based on the larvae's consumption rate. Start with small amounts of waste and gradually increase the quantity as the larvae population grows.

Harvesting and Utilizing Your BSFL and Compost

Harvesting BSFL is surprisingly easy. The larvae have a natural instinct to crawl to a dry, safe place to pupate. This is where the ramp comes in handy! As the larvae mature, they will crawl up the ramp and into the collection container.

Harvesting Methods:

• Self-Harvesting Ramp: This is the most common and convenient method. Simply collect the larvae from the collection container as needed.
• Manual Separation: If you don't have a ramp, you can manually separate the larvae from the compost by sifting or hand-picking.

Using the Larvae:

• Chicken Feed: Feed the larvae directly to your chickens (or other livestock). They will love the protein-rich treat!
• Dried Larvae: Dry the larvae in a dehydrator or oven at a low temperature for longer-term storage.
• Pet Treats: BSFL are safe and healthy treats for a variety of pets.

Using the Compost (Frass):

The remaining compost, known as "frass," is a valuable soil amendment. It's rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes, making it an excellent fertilizer for your garden.

• Direct Application: Apply the frass directly to your garden beds as a top dressing or incorporate it into the soil.
• Compost Tea: Steep the frass in water to create a nutrient-rich compost tea for watering your plants.

Advanced BSFL Composting: Expanding Your System

Once you've mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced BSFL composting techniques.

Larger Systems: For larger homesteads with significant amounts of waste, consider building a larger, more automated system using IBC totes or custom-built bins.

Winter Composting: In colder climates, BSFL activity may slow down during the winter months. You can extend the composting season by insulating your bin, moving it to a warmer location (like a greenhouse or garage), or using a heat lamp.

Community Resources: Connect with other BSFL composters online or in your local community. Share tips, ask questions, and learn from each other's experiences. You can find a wide variety of active forums online devoted to the subject.

Completing the Cycle: Sustainability in Action

By building a BSFL composting system, you're not just getting rid of waste; you're creating a closed-loop system that benefits your entire homestead. You're reducing your reliance on external inputs, producing your own animal feed and fertilizer, and contributing to a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.

Start small, experiment, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The rewards of BSFL composting are well worth the effort.

Now is the perfect time to get started, as the warmer temperatures encourage BSFL activity!

What are your favorite composting tips? Share them in the comments below! Don't forget to share this post with your fellow homesteaders and sign up for our newsletter for more sustainable living tips.