Eating bugs

[copperwindow]

Is it dangerous to eats bugs in your house?

[Yersenia_Pestis]

Probably not but not a wise thing to do - like mushrooms in your in your backyard

[madsircool]

Its just as dangerous to eat them outside.

[Colibri]

Running a little short this month?

Most common household insects are not toxic. Some, however, may carry diseases.

[Broomstick]

You also have to be cautious about pesticides. If you live in a single-family residence and don’t spray or use insecticide you’ll be far better off than if you live in an apartment tenement where everything with an exoskeleton is soaked in toxins from the egg with the intent of killing them.

[copperwindow]

@Colibri

Running a little short this month?

Most common household insects are not toxic. Some, however, may carry diseases.

Is it dangerous to eat insects that carry diseases?

[iiandyiiii]

@copperwindow

Is it dangerous to eat insects that carry diseases?

It can increase the likelihood of getting some of those diseases. If you wash and fully cook the insects, you’ll be minimizing this risk to very low levels (IANAD).

[copperwindow]

@iiandyiiii

It can increase the likelihood of getting some of those diseases. If you wash and fully cook the insects, you’ll be minimizing this risk to very low levels (IANAD).

Which diseases and when my stomach acids kill them off anyway?

[Bill_Door]

@copperwindow

Which diseases and when my stomach acids kill them off anyway?

Hepatitis virus can certainly be transmitted in food regardless of stomach acid, and while most insects can’t catch hepatitis, you don’t know where that insect was walking last before you eat it.

[iiandyiiii]

@copperwindow

Which diseases and when my stomach acids kill them off anyway?

I don’t know, but stomach acid doesn’t kill all diseases (some of which can infect you through the mouth, or through inhalation, or other means).

[Siam_Sam]

Many people think all Thais eat insects when it’s really only the Northeasterners. Other Thais look down on them for doing that. You’ll often see bug carts set up in Bangkok, but what your average tourist doesn’t realize is that without exception, they’re set up in areas with a large concentration of Northeasterners such as bar areas and construction sites. The Northeast has traditionally been Thailand’s poorest region, and insect consumption has provided some much-needed protein. But my wife, born and raised in Bangkok, shudders at the mere thought of eating anything like this.

[Colibri]

@copperwindow

Which diseases and when my stomach acids kill them off anyway?

A cockroach’s typical diet consists of feces, trash, and uncovered food, giving them ample opportunity to come into contact with dangerous bacteria and then spread it all over your next meal. It’s believed that roaches can transmit a wide variety of diseases in this manner, including dysentery, cholera, leprosy, typhoid fever, and salmonella, as well as also carrying parasitic worm larvae on their bodies.

You can get infected by these pathogens before they reach your stomach.

[harmonicamoon]

Yes, don’t eat cockroaches.

Only their milk is good.

[Siam_Sam]

How does one milk a cockroach?

[Dewey_Finn]

First you warm your hands . . .

[jjakucyk]

@Siam_Sam

Many people think all Thais eat insects when it’s really only the Northeasterners. Other Thais look down on them for doing that. You’ll often see bug carts set up in Bangkok, but what your average tourist doesn’t realize is that without exception, they’re set up in areas with a large concentration of Northeasterners such as bar areas and construction sites. The Northeast has traditionally been Thailand’s poorest region, and insect consumption has provided some much-needed protein. But my wife, born and raised in Bangkok, shudders at the mere thought of eating anything like this.

Of course they’re much better once they’re cooked. I can’t think of a good reason to eat bugs raw, which vastly increases the risk of disease transmission. Even Survivorman cooked his bugs.

[Siam_Sam]

@jjakucyk

Of course they’re much better once they’re cooked. I can’t think of a good reason to eat bugs raw, which vastly increases the risk of disease transmission. Even Survivorman cooked his bugs.

Yes, I think they’re all cooked, I’ve never heard of anyone in Thailand eating bugs raw. Some of those insects are rather large too.

I once went to a restaurant in Changchun, China that specialized in “cuisine” common during the Cultural Revolution. Meaning bugs. The silkworms I did not care for, but there were some small scorpions that were downright tasty. Kind of buttery-tasting.

[gnoitall]

I would not eat bugs in a house.
I would not eat them with a mouse.
I would not eat them here or there.
I would not eat them anywhere!

[Atamasama]

I’ve never eaten a whole bug on purpose (especially raw and dirty) but food made from cricket flour can be delicious. It’s nutty and a bit sweet. Kind of addicting. I just wish it was more affordable. I think if we had industrial cricket farms someday it would be.

[Mangetout]

@Siam_Sam

Many people think all Thais eat insects when it’s really only the Northeasterners. Other Thais look down on them for doing that. You’ll often see bug carts set up in Bangkok, but what your average tourist doesn’t realize is that without exception, they’re set up in areas with a large concentration of Northeasterners such as bar areas and construction sites. The Northeast has traditionally been Thailand’s poorest region, and insect consumption has provided some much-needed protein. But my wife, born and raised in Bangkok, shudders at the mere thought of eating anything like this.

That’s interesting to know - thanks for taking the time to explain.