DTE Insect Frass comes from sustainable insect farming and contains the waste and exoskeletons of Black Solider Fly larvae. Raised solely on pre-consumer food waste sourced from grocery stores, food processors and food distributors, these larvae produce an excrement (frass) that's full of nutrients and chitin. As they feed, they thoroughly and efficiently break down decaying materials. In this process, they release nitrogen, phosphorous and other nutrients. The larvae will molt as they grow and this molting process leaves bits of exoskeleton, called chitin, in their frass. Plants react to chitin in the soil as if there are insects present. In response, they make themselves stronger by producing bigger and healthier parts and fortifying their overall cell structure. It's the combination of nutrients and chitin that make this an exceptional fertilizer.