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FAQs
Receiving Your Shipment
Where should I keep the PauseM® packages after receiving them?
At 18-22°C, 60-70% RH, for optimal survivability.
Can I keep the PauseM® packages in the shipping box?
No, this is not recommended. Please take the bottles out of the shipping container.
Can I keep the PauseM® packages at room temperature?
This is possible. Be aware that the room should be regulated since temperatures under 16°C or higher than 25°C will cause lower performance, even for short exposure times
What is the expiration date of my PauseM® packages?
The bottles are best to be used up to 21 days from their packing day, which is usually a few days before your package is shipped. You are welcome to contact us to find out the exact date.
What is the weight of the neonates seeded in each PauseM® unit?
Since the weight of a single neonate can vary, we measure neonate weight per seeding day. The weight of 50K neonates is roughly estimated to be 1 gram
I see the neonates active in the package. Is this normal
Yes, the neonates are alive and can be active in the package. Their life cycle is “Paused” not their activity 😊
The plug of my PauseM® package turned brown. Is it OK?
Yes, the neonates that crawl on the plug can cause some wetness with a brown color.
Rearing Phase
How do I know how many rearing trays to use for one 50K nursery tray?
The number of larvae per 60X40cm tray can vary between 10K and 20K. In general, the optimal density depends on the final larva size you would like to reach: the more you divide the total amount, the larger the larvae will grow. It is advised to try different amounts per tray as part of your calibration process. We recommend growing 16.5K per tray to reach ~180 mg per larva. You are welcome to consult us for a specific adjustment.
How much feed should I use for the rearing stage?
For 16.5K (1/3 of a 50K PauseM® unit), we recommend 10-11 kgs of feed with 70% moisture. For other tray sizes of neonate densities, please contact us and we will be happy to help you with your setup.
What is the best way to divide the nursery tray into rearing trays?
Weigh the entire tray (larvae and frass) and divide the total weight by the number of rearing trays you will be using. Then, mix the tray well and divide by weight. An equal division to the rearing trays is crucial for unity in larvae growth between the trays. If the division is not equal, the final larva size will vary between trays.
I have a tray-to-tray setup. Should I transfer the frass with the larvae to the rearing tray?
Yes. The frass contains the larvae microbiome and other secreted molecules that are beneficial for larvae growth. The frass can also absorb free water in the feed and improve feed texture.
The larvae didn’t reach the final size that I was aiming for. What can I do?
This usually is a matter of larvae density per feed amount. This can be adjusted by slightly changing the setup. If you are willing to share your data with us, we will be happy to help you improve.
Nursury Phase
Why do I need to pre-warm the bottles to the nursery room temperature?
The neonates are sensitive when they are taken out from the suspension state to the feed. The slow change in ambient temperature will lower stress levels.
Do I need to push the gel out of the PauseM® bottle?
Yes, this is mandatory for optimal performance.
What should I do if I have free water in the feed?
To prevent the neonates from drowning, the gel should be unpacked on a dry area made from bran or any other dry substrate. The empty bottle and plug should be placed on the dry area as well. Please refer to our “Do’s and Dont’s” visual aid and YouTube video for more information.
I have a unique mixture of organic waste to feed the larvae. Will the larvae eat it
Yes, the larvae are generalists and are not specialized in eating any specific type of feed. Their ability to digest the waste will depend on the quality of the mixture. It is recommended to control neonate performance on a new feed mix with a mix you know that works well.
How long should the bottle and plug be kept in the nursery tray?
After 24 hours the bottle and the plug can be removed, however they can also remain in the tray until the end of the rearing stage if needed, they do not disturb larvae growth.
What are the recommendations for growth room conditions?
We recommend 27-30°c and 60-70% RH
How do I know how much feed to use for the nursery stage?
This depends on the nursery tray size and neonate density. One PauseM® unit of 50K can be activated in a 20X30cm tray with 2 kgs of feed or in a 60X40cm tray with 4 kgs of feed. Feed is recommended to contain 60% moisture and no free water. You are welcome to ask us specifically about your tray size and we will be happy to help you with your setup
How can I avoid neonate escape from the nursery tray?
Wheat bran (or any other dry material) can be spread on the edges of the tray to avoid neonate escape. Please refer to our “Do’s and Don’ts” visual aid and YouTube video for more information.
How can I avoid feed dehydration in the nursery tray?
It is possible to cover the trays with breathable fabric to keep high humidity levels in the trays. Once the larvae start producing heat, the cover should be removed to avoid overheating.
Is there a heat limit in the larvae trays?
It is highly recommended to not cross 45°C in trays, overheating can cause larvae mortality.
I have mold formation on the feed in my nursery trays. Is that normal?
Yes, mold can be formed on the feed and will be later eaten by the growing larvae. The mold does not affect larvae health or growth.
How do I know the nursery stage is finished?
Once the larvae finish eating most of the feed, and the temperature of the tray starts to decline, the nursery stage should be terminated, even if the frass is still moist. The larvae can then be transferred/ divided to rearing trays together with the frass and any residual feed. Drying out the frass is not recommended as it decreases larvae metabolism and extends the growth phase.
I would like to sample and measure my larvae at the end of the nursery. What is the best way to do that?
It would be best to sample the larvae for measurements from the frass mixture. You can weigh the total larvae and frass mixture to account for the net total larvae weight. Drying the tray for sieving at the end of the nursery causes stress, slows down larvae growth and extends the total rearing time.
I see size variability in larvae size at the end of the nursery. Is this normal?
Yes. Larvae can vary in size after nursery, especially following long suspension times. Larvae size will even out after rearing.
General Questions
What should I do with a bottle I don’t need?
You can freeze it at (-20°C) for 24 hours and throw it away.
Can I order more or less than 50K neonates per bottle?
Yes! We are flexible with any number between 25K and 75K.
What does the suspended feed contain?
The recipe is patent pending and cannot be shared. However, it contains feed grade ingredients and is authorized by the EU regulations. The authorization document can be provided upon request.
What is the genetic background of the neonates?
The neonates are provided by our Hermetia partners, from a line grown since 2002.
Is there a veterinarian inspection of the shipping content?
Yes. Each package is examined and approved for shipment by an authorized veterinarian. A TRACES document is attached to the package. An additional copy can be provided upon request.
How do I return the shipping box?
Anyway that is easiest for you, no special currier needed. Once we receive it back, we will refund you for the deposit.