Hi Barbara, a word of caution; if you read this forum much you might catch the same bug we all have.
I like your idea Bruce. I'm hearing the same question from several people in colder climates. I recommend you all move to the south.
From everything I've read to this point BSF can be anywhere on the continent with the limiting factor being freezing temperatures. I know that pupae can be stored for extended periods with refrigeration and that a colony will remain active through cold weather if the colony is insulated. They actually generate heat by churning and all you need to do is contain that heat. Even though they would be warm under these circumstances their development slows down considerably so you can use the same individuals to process waste for months instead of weeks.
What I want to learn is whether or not they can survive on their own as pupae through sub-freezing weather. At the least you can establish and then restart your own colony each spring. The good news is that once the colony is established it takes very little maintenance.
