I am planning on starting a bin of these as early as I can. Any idea on when they might show up in spring on the Oregon coast? We already have bushes blooming and daffodils almost ready to bloom so it is warming up.
Also does anyone have tips on dealing with blowflies in a new bin (other then no meat)? Do the blowflies show up first or the BSF? We live on a horse farm and next to a cattle farm so we always get about a bazillion every year. I am hoping to get off to a good start with as few of the blowflies as possible but I know I will get some.
Do the grubs like to pupate in just plain soil? I was thinking I would let all of the early ones go making sure I have enough adults early on. I did find a bit about earthworms doing well in spent BSF matter. Can they live together in the same bin or is it better to just have the BSF in the bin?
Thanks to anyone with info!

We do have one location in Oregon (link) on our map (link). If you don't get any answers here you could try sending a message through their profile page (link).

We would love to have a photo from your location to add to our BSF locator map. See the 'Range and Identification' section (link) for instructions.

In captivity wood shavings or sawdust are commonly used. I've used a small animal bedding made from recycled paper. In nature I'm not positive what they prefer.

I might go for the sawdust then.

I did see some last summer. Both adults and larva. I didn't know what they were at the time. I do gardening and my ducks enjoy eating any bugs I find as I dig. I remember the grey grub with the ridges... and something looking like a funny cross between a fly and a wasp checking out my compost. After looking at the pictures of the BSF in various stages of development I am almost positive that is what I was seeing. When they show up I will try to take some pictures and post them here. I did see Eugene, Oregon on the map here. I live about 100 miles away but my climate being on the coast is much milder. Both the summer and the winter. Spring starts early but summer never really heats up.

Tivona this Portland State University project may interest you (link)