Perisseia Insect Hub

Dear Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, let us talk about FEEDSTOCK MANAGEMENT. It may seem straightforward — as easy as just feeding the larvae organic waste but the sooner it is learned that it is not that simple, the better! What many of us would regard as “good enough” feedstock can turn into a series of costly mistakes like reduced yields, unexpected waste problems etc  In practice, I have discovered that how you handle feedstock can make or break your BSF farming operation. It’s not just about what you feed them, but how you prepare, store, and manage it. Mismanagement carries hidden costs that many farmers only realize when it’s too late. Let me walk you through what I learned the not-so-easy way. The Unseen Challenges of Feedstock Mismanagement Back then, while i was working on my earliest batches of BSFL, the first problems I encountered was that my larvae weren’t growing as expected. Despite having what seemed like enough feed, they were underperforming. It turns out that t...

Fish farming is evolving, and innovative, sustainable practices are at the forefront of this revolution. One such practice is the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae in fish feed. If you’re looking to incorporate BSF larvae into fish feed, you’re not only providing your fish with a high-quality, protein-rich diet but also embracing an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to feed production. This guide will walk you through the process in a way that’s suitable for beginners, experienced fish farmers, and BSF farmers looking to make their own fish feed. We will focus on creating a simple yet effective recipe that focuses on the role of BSF larvae. This applies to anyone raising catfish or tilapia, as this method will enhance your fish farming venture, all while reducing reliance on traditional, commercially produced fish feed. Why BSF Larvae Are Ideal for Fish Feed Before we get into the specifics, let’s take a moment to understand why BSF larvae are becoming such a popular ingredi...

In the world of soilless farming, there’s always something new to try for boosting plant health and yield. When I first came across insect frass as an input, I realized it was more than just "a natural fertilizer"—it’s a resource that can fundamentally enhance plant nutrition, disease resistance, and growth in soilless setups. Whether you’re a beginner curious about this organic boost or an experienced grower looking to refine your nutrient strategy, this article will break down why insect frass is becoming a game-changer in soilless farming. What Exactly is Insect Frass? Insect frass is a mix of insect manure, shed exoskeletons, and leftover feed from insects like Black Soldier Fly larvae. It’s packed with essential nutrients and natural biostimulants (substances that enhance plant growth), making it a sustainable, nutrient-dense alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Frass has three main perks in soilless farming: it supplies essential nutrients, encourages beneficial microb...

When you get through the basic level of knowing how to wiggle your way through the entire metamorphosis of Black Soldier Fly production from egg to adult (plus by-products), there are certain technical terms you may need to get familiar with so that you can position yourself for growth in the BSF space —like the concept of "Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)". FCR might seem like a technical term at first, but it’s actually a simple concept with powerful implications for anyone in BSF farming. In this post, I’ll break down what FCR is, why it’s so important for BSF farming, and how you can work to improve it on your farm for both environmental and economic benefits. What is Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)? In essence, FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio) measures how efficiently BSF larvae convert feed, like organic waste, into body mass. This ratio shows the amount of feed required to produce a certain weight of larvae and is calculated with a straightforward formula: FCR = Total Weight of Feed...

When it comes to the subject of feeding your Black Soldier Fly (BSF) herd, I have come to realize that feeding wasn’t as straightforward as just “giving them food” or "giving them any kind of organic wastes to break down". The way we feed BSF larvae directly impacts everything; feed conversion, growth rates and feed efficiency, overall productivity of our farms. If you're a beginner trying to make sense of feeding methods or an experienced farmer wondering if there’s a better way to handle feeding, this article breaks down the two main approaches: continuous feeding and batch feeding. I'll share what I’ve learned, plus the ups and downs of each method, so you can make the right choice for your BSF farm. Picture Credit: Grubbly Farms What is Continuous Feeding? In BSF farming, continuous feeding means regularly providing the larvae with smaller, consistent amounts of feed—often daily. This method keeps the larvae’s food supply steady, which helps them grow at a more un...