Houston Home Maintenance Tips

Black Soldier Flies: Houston's Friendly & "Green" Composters

If your family keeps a compost bin, you're likely to have spotted these guys in your mulch pile, although you may not have known what they were. Worm? Leech? Something equally gross but unidentifiable? Nope, what you're seeing is the larval or pupa stage of the black soldier fly.

So, what exactly is a black soldier fly? First, let's take a look at how we identify it:

• Black Soldier Flies in Larva / Pupa Stages - In the larva and pupa stages, the black soldier fly isn't exactly the most handsome fellow. Appearing a bit like a leech or a small worm or perhaps like an ancient fossil, the young black soldier fly is no more than an inch long and 1/3 of an inch wide. It most commonly appears in a reddish-brown color and has tough skin for protective purposes.
• Black Soldier Flies in Adult Stages - In adult form, the black solider fly doesn't really seem that different than any other large flying insect. The adult black soldier fly is around 2 centimeters in length and is mostly black all over. Although often confused with a wasp, there's no need to fear a sting from the black soldier fly.

What are the benefits of the black soldier fly?

The black soldier fly in its larval and pupa forms is quite an amazing little creature. Often found in compost bins, outdoor toilets, and in some types of manure, they work hard at turning much of our discarded organic waste into functional compost. The black soldier fly is found in most of the Western Hemisphere and is common in North America. During the Winter, the larval stage of the black soldier fly develops, and the pupa stage is usually found emerging in the Spring. By Summer, flying adult black soldier flies can be found outdoors, where they may be preyed on by some types of wasps and birds.

Unlike wasps, though, black soldier flies are absolutely innocuous and non-aggressive. While they may be a bit unpleasant to look at in their larval and pupa stages, they are beneficial to your yard and do not pose any threat to children, pets, or plants.

Having problems with a non-friendly pest in your Houston home? Ants, roaches, termites, you name it -- we can help! Schedule your free in-home consultation with a John Moore Houston exterminator today.