BSFfanatic, you probably saw a post on my blog where I used the USDA hardiness zone map as a guideline for black soldier fly populations. Here are some quotes from that page which put the usefulness of the map into perspective:
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In general the warmer and wetter your climate, the more likely it is that you already have black soldier flies in your area. Colder and drier climates represent less likely places to find BSF and they are the most challenging places to establish a colony. This is also true of elevations over 5000 feet (1500m). The native range of BSF is the southeastern U.S. but over time they have been transported around the world.
BSF are most commonly found in the USDA plant hardiness zones 7 - 10, but there are often exceptions. The hardiness zones relate to temperature only and while this is the most important factor with BSF it isn't the only one. I've gotten reports of robust BSF populations in zone 6 and I wouldn't be surprised to hear of them in cooler zones in the future.
I've also published the same information as a sort of disclaimer to potential BioPod customers:
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The BioPod� is not an appliance. By that I mean you can�t simply buy one, add food waste to it without further involvement and expect it to perform properly. Successful operation of a BioPod requires regular observation of the black soldier fly (BSF) colony and small adjustments designed to keep it balanced. There are only a few simple adjustments involved, but to know which to use you will need to learn about BSF. It�s similar in scope to learning how to ride a bicycle and about as easy.
and...
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Please do some research before you buy. Your geographic location and even the altitude at which you live will effect how easy or difficult it is to culture black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens). Culturing BSF is possible anywhere, but if you live along the west coast or in the southeastern U.S. there�s a very good chance BSF are already around you and starting a colony will be relatively easy. If you live in a cold or dry climate the difficulty level increases. If you�re not sure about your specific area please contact us and we�ll do our best to inform you.
and...
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The key to making it simple is to study the black soldier fly grubs and to understand how various factors effect them. If you don�t learn the basic behaviors and needs of these fascinating animals then you will probably have difficulty keeping them. If you learn to avoid overfeeding and overheating the colony you�ll be most of the way there.
I enjoy it when someone buys a BioPod from me, but I want them to understand what they're getting. If you want to keep BSF you'll need to learn about them so it makes sense to start the learning process before you spend any money.
I'm also working on a DIY "bucket o' bugs" BSF unit for people who want to try establishing a colony inexpensively before committing to a BioPod. It's based on a common 5 gallon bucket, a few other cheap materials, and about 15 minutes of labor. Maintaining a colony in the bucket will be time consuming and relatively inefficient, but it's designed to be an introduction and from there a person can decide if they want to craft something more elaborate or purchase a BioPod.
