Black Soldier Flies in Basement

Subject:  Small black wasp?
Geographic location of the bug:  Charlottesville, VA
Date: 07/23/2021
Time: 12:02 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  Hi,
I’ve been finding lots of these insects in our basement — often dead. I’m not sure where they came from or how to keep them outside, but I figure a good first step will be identifying them! Thanks in advance for your help.
How you want your letter signed:  Kyle

Black Soldier Fly

Dear Kyle,
Though it resembles a Wasp, this is actually a harmless (doesn’t sting nor bite) Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens, also called a Window Fly because of the transparent features of its abdomen clearly visible in your image.  Have you a compost pile in or near your basement?  Black Soldier Fly larvae are frequently found in compost piles where they are considered beneficial

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