Black Soldier Fly

Hermetia illucens

black soldier fly

Black soldier fly (Marilyn Sallee, Bugwood.org)

Soldier fly

Black soldier fly (Vengolis, Wikimedia Commons)

soldier fly larvae

Soldier fly larvae (Krokofant, Wikimedia Commons)

Identification

  • large; dark-colored
  • 2 white patches just behind wings
  • flattened appearance
  • larvae and pupae: dark brown and flattened; 1 inch long

Nesting Habits

  • lay eggs in garbage and other decaying organic material; moisture; compost piles; dumpsters
  • larvae feed in garbage and other decaying organic material
  • pupate outside of the food source

Diet

  • moist decaying organic material

Significance

  • pupae often found in large numbers around dumpsters
  • rarely breed indoors; adults usually found in low numbers 
  • adult presence indoors indicates breeding areas near doors/windows

IPM Recommendations

  • Regularly inspect and clean dumpsters and surrounding areas. 
  • Seal cracks around doors and windows. 
  • Install properly-fitting screens in all windows. 
  • Install weather stripping around all edges of doorways.
  • Keep doors and windows closed or open with properly fitted screens.
  • Use fly light traps.

Additional Resources

IPM for Flies: Integrated Pest Management in Sensitive Environments (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension)