Black Soldier Fly, potential solution to the garbage problem

The Black Soldier fly could be the solution to the garbage problem in Cochabamba, due to the voracious hunger that characterizes it when processing organic waste.

The agricultural researcher at the Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS), Ilich Figueroa, highlights that the studies to treat organic waste through composting gave optimal results, especially with the work of this fly.

“Five thousand larvae of this fly can devour at least one ton of garbage, and thus produce 200 kilos of compost and at the same time leave another 100 kilos of larvae more,” he details.

This insect has its origins in the tropics, but the species that is currently being raised is native to Cochabamba and it seeks to ensure its reproduction in the urban environment.

“With insects we seek to propose a macro solution to the problem of garbage, because it would work at the municipality level. In homes it is unlikely because not many people want insects in their homes, they feel a little aversion towards it ”, he indicates.

The larvae of this fly can also be marketed as complementary food for many farm animals and fish food.

“The possibility of adding value to the garbage we produce is multiple. We just need to re-educate ourselves and start treating our garbage in a responsible way ”, he adds.

In this way, the “Environmental service of microorganisms and entomofauna for the management of organic waste in private homes”, little by little, is becoming a reality.