Perisseia Insect Hub

When most people think about Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, they picture its role in sustainable agriculture, specifically in animal feed. But BSF’s potential reaches far beyond this, and is opening doors in some unexpected places. My experience as a BSF farmer has shown me that the industry’s possibilities are much bigger than most would expect. For those of us working to explore BSF beyond traditional uses, there's a wealth of untapped opportunities—and, naturally, some exciting career paths and business ideas. Here are three surprising non-agric industries where BSF is creating a real impact: 1. Beauty & Cosmetics BSF may be an insect, but it has some unexpected perks when it comes to skincare. The oils extracted from BSF larvae are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and other nutrients beneficial for the skin. As a result, BSF oil can be used in various cosmetic products—from soaps and lotions to moisturizing creams. In recent years, several eco-conscious beauty bra...

During a brainstorming session with my business partner, we had a lightbulb moment that helped us to revisit our marketing strategies. We have learnt (in the soft and hard ways) that knowing how to effectively market your product can make the difference between success and missed opportunities. One way to refine your BSF marketing strategy is by looking at how the crude oil industry approaches its market. This is the lesson from our lightbulb moment - read on!  The Crude Oil Model: What BSF Farmers Can Learn  Even though people know crude oil is the root of products like gasoline and kerosene, it would be unthinkable for oil companies to market raw crude directly to everyday consumers. Instead, oil companies transform crude oil into refined products, each designed to appeal to specific segments. Black Soldier Fly farmers can benefit from adopting a similar mindset, avoiding common marketing pitfalls, and strategically reaching their target market for BSF. The crude oil industr...

Breaking into the Black Soldier Fly (BSFL) industry can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the right market for your products. With the growing global interest in sustainable farming and circular economies, BSF farming presents unique opportunities. This post will guide you through practical strategies to establish a thriving market for your BSF business, and we will be focusing on THREE of the main product-components of BSF. Here’s how you can establish a thriving market for your BSF products. 1. Identify Your Product Niche The first step to finding your market is determining which product your BSF business will focus on. The BSF industry is incredibly diverse, with opportunities in: BSF Eggs : High-value product often sold to farmers or hatcheries to start or expand BSF farms. BSF Larvae : The most versatile product, used for animal feed (aquaculture, poultry, pet food) and increasingly popular as a sustainable protein alternative. It can also be sold as fresh or ...

Insect farming, particularly for species like the Black Soldier Fly (BSF), is rapidly growing in popularity due to its sustainability and economic potential. However, the industry comes with its own set of technical terms and buzzwords that may seem overwhelming to beginners. In this post, we will break down 10 of the most important insect farming terms, providing simple explanations to help you become more familiar with the lingo and get started on your own farming journey. 1. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) BSF refers to Hermetia illucens, a species of fly known for its larvae, which are rich in protein and fat. These larvae are commonly used in animal feed, composting, and as a sustainable alternative protein source for both humans and animals. BSF farming is popular because the larvae grow quickly and can break down organic waste efficiently. 2. Frass Frass is the waste produced by insect larvae, primarily consisting of digested material and shed exoskeletons. In BSF farming, frass serves ...

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming is becoming an attractive business opportunity for those looking to enter sustainable agriculture. This new industry also accommodates everyone whether you're a small-scale farmer just starting or running a large commercial operation, understanding your target market is key to success. Identifying who will buy your BSF products -  larvae, frass (organic fertilizer), or processed BSF meal—will help you tailor your production strategy and increase profitability. In this post, we'll break down the target markets for BSF farmers, specifically focusing on small, medium, and large-scale production. It will be easy to position your farm to serve the right customers and scale your operations effectively if you can understand these different market segments. Why Knowing Your Market Matters As with any business, understanding your target market in BSF farming is essential. It helps you determine your production capacity, pricing strategy, and marketing eff...

When I first started Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, I was excited about all the possibilities there were, but, like many beginners, I quickly ran into a few problems. One of the biggest challenges was getting the adult flies to lay eggs consistently. Believe me, it can be frustrating when everything looks right, but you don’t see any eggs. Over time, through a lot of trial and error (and I mean a lot ), I figured out why this was happening. So, if you’re a beginner or you’re experiencing the same problem, here are five reasons why your BSF might not be laying eggs, based on the experiments I carried out when I first got into this journey. I hope my mistakes can save you some time, effort, and unnecessary stress. 1. Not Enough Sunlight or UV Light One of the first things I learned in BSF farming is that light is super important. BSF adults need a lot of light to become active, mate, and eventually lay eggs. In their natural environment, this light comes from the sun, but if you're...

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming is quickly becoming one of the most sustainable and profitable ways to recycle organic waste while producing high-quality protein for animal feed. BSF larvae (the immature stage of the insect) are excellent at converting waste materials like kitchen waste and food scraps into valuable products, including protein-rich feed for poultry, fish, and even pets. With the rising demand for alternative protein sources and sustainable farming practices, setting up a BSF farm at home can be a game-changer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five easy steps to start your own Black Soldier Fly farm at home, even if you’re a beginner. Whether you’re interested in producing feed or managing organic waste, this step-by-step process will help you get started. Step 1: Set Up the Right Environment BSF larvae thrive in warm, humid environments. Ideally, temperatures between 25°C and 30°C (77°F and 86°F) are best for their growth. If you live in a cooler region, consider ...