I want to maximize the yield of DNA extraction from insects. I am already using different DNA isolation kits and I know that these are not specifically designed for insect samples. Does anyone have any tips to maximize the yield?
I agree with Evan S Haworth that there are excellent answers already on site. I would just add that column purifications can often be improved ( greater yield) with the use of hot elution buffer at the final step and also washing the dna off the column twice not just the once. If after that any concentration of the dna is needed then add a co precipitant such as linear acrylamide or glycogen to make sure that all of the dna is precipitated
Also, thorough sample grinding and being careful to not overload the column with sample (there is such a thing as TOO MUCH starting material) will help a lot. If your insects are normally fatty, then I'd use legs or similar to avoid gunking up the column with lipids.