Comments on: BSFLs in Outdoor Worm Beds

By: Wjason777

Wjason777 — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 16:28:09 +0000

Hello, I just recently build a VB48 and the bsfl population is taking over. Its like the more I feed my worms the more larvae I see. I added a level of shredded paper on top then newspaper on top of that but hat still doesn’t seem to help. Any suggestion on what I should do?

By: LInda from CA

LInda from CA — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:53:07 +0000

Thanks so much for the info on BSFs. I’ve been so disappointed twice now from them taking over my bin and destroying my red worms. I now know what they are!

By: Bentley

Bentley — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:07:10 +0000

MIKE – True enough, but in lots of cases they can be very frustrating for those wanting to focus primarily on vermicomposting. When conditions are hot and not enough is done to maintain a healthy worm habitat (such as keeping it well stocked with bedding materials), the BSFLs can pretty easily dominate the system.
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GA – Absolutely! Apart from “over-feeding”, I think “under-bedding” (haha) is pretty well the most common reason for encountering issues with a vermicomposting system.
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LARRY – Nice you see you ’round these parts! (wink wink)
That’s really interesting re: the adults sniffing out the larvae – makes good sense too.
As for the bleached paper – really, the only caution I have for people is avoiding setting up a brand new system using ONLY bleached paper (that hasn’t been soaked and drained) as the bedding. I’ve added plenty of established systems without any issues.

By: The Garbage Guru

The Garbage Guru — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:12:09 +0000

Kind of odd.But i noticed this year i can’t seem to attract any BSF.Saw one on the hood of my truck.So i know they are in the area.If they ever do get into your bin though,it is almost impossible to get rid of them.I’ve had occasions where i was sifting vc in front of a big shop fan.The BSF get a whiff of the larvae in the air,and show up.Even sitting right on the fan.
Also if you use horse manure,be prepared to get some BSF as well.Not sure why they like horse manure? But they do.
I haven’t had any issues composting bleached paper.In fact i have been putting in whole sheets,and the worms congregate between the sheets of paper.

By: GA

GA — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 18:16:01 +0000

I think her general point is very helpful. To put a slightly different way, adding _lots_ of shredded paper/cardboard (‘bedding’) on top has very few downsides as far as I can tell. Excess water in the main is absorbed, there’s nice loose materials to bury food under, and the extra bedding keeps annoyances (bugs) down and away and lets air flow. Those in wetter climates can cover with a plastic top which will keep some moisture in while keeping excess out (I almost never add water, or at least rarely).

Only downside for outdoor systems I’ve found is that it’s perfect for mice in winter. Which doesn’t personally bother me that much, but it can occasionally be disturbing to surprise them. I don’t find that the bleached paper disturbs anyone if it’s laid on top and just let to disintegrate into the system on its own. (Not scientific though)

By: Mike aka BW

Mike aka BW — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:49:09 +0000

A lot of folks would love to have Black Soldier Flies volunteering in their bins. What sort of problems did they cause in your outdoor bins?