Frequently asked questions
LIVe LARVAE
1. How should I store live larvae?
Store the larvae in a dry sturdy container such as a bucket, bowl, or plastic box without holes. Avoid moisture — when larvae get wet, they can crawl up any surface and escape easily.
⚠️ Do not seal the container with an airtight lid — larvae need air to breathe, and humidity will build up inside, making them wet and escape-prone.
In case you’re missing a container, you can also leave them in the original ziplock bag, which has air holes for ventilation. Be sure to seal the ziplock bag, otherwise they will escape❗️
Ideal temperature:
- 10–15°C is best for slowing down their metabolism and keeping them alive longer
- Room temperature (20–25°C) is okay, but they will pupate sooner
2. How long will they stay alive?
Larvae naturally turn into flies over time:
- At 10-15°C: Up to 4 weeks before they emerge as flies
- At room temperature: 7–14 days, then they will start turning into a fly.
You can slow them down by keeping them cool and dry.
3. do they need water?
❌ No. Larvae get all the moisture they need from their reserves and environment. Providing access to water will only make their skin wet which gives them the ability to crawl any surface - walls, ceilings etc.
4. do they need food?
❌ No. They are harvested at a late larval stage and do not need feeding anymore. They have plenty of reserves in their body.
5. Can i store them in the fridge?
- ✅ If you’re okay with them dying (but want them to stay fresh and not rot), the fridge is a good option to pause decomposition.
- ❌ If you want to keep them alive, do not put them in the fridge — it’s too cold, and they will die.
6. Who can eat Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL)?
BSFL are safe and nutritious for:
- 🐔 Chickens, ducks, quails and any other bird
- 🦎 Reptiles (bearded dragons, geckos, chameleons etc.)
- 🐠 Fish (especially carnivorous and omnivorous species)
- 🦔 Exotic pets (like sugar gliders or hedgehogs etc.)
7. How much can I feed BSFL to my animals?
- 🐔 Chickens: As much as they want, or roughly a handful per bird per day. Larvae are a completely natural part of their diet so they won’t be harmful if given in excess.
- 🦎 Reptiles: Feed based on species and size. Start with a few and observe their appetite.
- 🐠 Fish: Use small portions — BSFL can be chopped or offered whole, depending on fish size.
- 🦔 Exotic pets: Feed based on species and size. Start with a few and observe their appetite.
8. Do Black Soldier Fly Live Larvae Smell?
A little, yes — but nothing terrible. They have a mild earthy scent. If you already own pets who poop, this won’t be anything new 😊
If they start to smell strongly, it’s likely due to moisture buildup. Just give more access to fresh air to let moisture leave.
9. Where are Wiggly BSFL grown?
In Europe, Estonia 🇪🇪 — in our sustainable, food-waste-upcycling factory.
10. How are BSFL grown?
They’re raised on surplus vegetables and fruit from local farms and supermarkets. Every 1 kg of live larvae consumes up to 5 kg of food waste that would otherwise end up in landfill — we are turning waste into high-value protein and reducing landfill impact. ❤️🌎
11. How are Live Black Soldier Fly Larvae shipped?
Currently we ship across Baltics via parcel machines or direct courier delivery.
Each order is packed in ziplock bags with micro airholes, then placed in a sturdy cardboard box to keep them secure and breathable during transport.
12. Do Black Soldier Fly Larvae transmit any diseases?
❌ No. BSFL are considered non-pest, non-invasive, and non-disease-transmitting insects. They are safe to handle and feed to animals.
13. Can I Breed BSFL at Home?
Technically, yes — but it requires controlled heat, humidity, light, and space for flies to mate and lay eggs. It’s possible, but not practical without dedicated equipment.
14. What if they arrive dead?
Then just send us a video at support@wigglyfeed.com and we’ll ship you a new package for free!