How to Store Black Soldier Fly Larvae

By My Store Admin
2 min read

Black soldier fly larvae are low-maintenance to store, but unlike mealworms, they don't want to be kept at typical fridge temperatures.

This guide covers exactly how to keep your BSFL fresh for as long as possible. For general care, see our black soldier fly larvae care guide.

Quick takeaway: Keep BSFL cool rather than cold. Fridge temperatures can kill them, but 15-20° will increase their shelf life more then at room temp.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Storage

If you're using your BSFL within a few days to a week, room temperature is fine. For anything longer, moving them somewhere cool extends their usable life by a couple of weeks. When leaving them at room temperature, they will usually darken and start pupating within 1-2 weeks.

The Right Temperature

This is where BSFL differ from mealworms: rather than a fridge, they do best somewhere cool but not 4° cool. Storing them at 15° ish is ideal for maximising their shelf life. Room temp is completely fine as well, but you'll just find they darken and pupate faster.

Housing

Store your BSFL in a plastic container or tub with adequate ventilation. Wheat bran works great as a low smell, highly absorbant substrate for them to live in. They only need a thin layer.

How to Cool

One idea we've see work well to cool your BSFL, is using a small esky and frozen water bottles. Simply place your BSFL container into the esky, with a few frozen water bottles. Don't let the bottles touch the container, but just having them in the esky will cool it down below room temp.

Change the bottles once a day when they defrost. This is a bit of extra work but will get you an extra week or so out of your larvae before they pupate.

Signs They're Turning

As BSFL approach the pupae stage, they darken in colour and firm up. They're still usable at this early stage, but it's best to use them promptly rather than let them sit — once they've fully hardened into pupae, they're no longer a great feeder.

Common Storage Mistakes

  • Storing them in the fridge, which can kill them
  • Buying too many then you can use in 1-2 weeks
  • Not using a suitable substrate

Getting Started

We at Reptifauna supply black soldier fly larvae across Australia (excl. WA & TAS). You can find more information below:

Browse the wider range in our black soldier fly larvae collection.

Final Thoughts

BSFL keep the longest when kept cool, but not cold. Get the temperature right and a batch will comfortably last you a couple of weeks.

For full day-to-day care, see our black soldier fly larvae care guide, or browse the complete guide to feeder insects in Australia.