Eating Bugs How Dangerous is it?

The Full Story

"My child just ate a beetle." "I think I swallowed a stinkbug." "My kids were eating ants."

Poison Control answers LOTS of calls about people who swallow insects of all kinds. Callers don't know whether to be worried, disgusted, or (sometimes) amused. If you're squeamish about eating bugs, here's the bottom line: don't worry—unless you have a known shellfish allergy.

It is likely that eating insects – on purpose – began with our hunter-gatherer ancestors. In many regions of the world like Asia, Latin America, and Africa, insects are a usual part of the diet. In fact, over 2 billion people regularly consume them. They contain protein but little fat, they may be an abundant food source, and some are considered delicacies. Grasshopper tacos, roasted stink bugs, boiled dragonflies, and fried ants are just the beginning of an international culinary adventure.

Though most ingestions of edible insects tend to be harmless, people who have shellfish allergies should avoid eating insects due to the potential for cross-reactivity. Several proteins identified in both some shellfish and insects can trigger allergic reactions in people who have a sensitivity to these compounds. Insects that can cause allergic reactions include silkworms, grasshoppers, locusts, cicadas, meal worms, and others.

Reactions from eating them for those who are allergic can range from mild to severe. A serious reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can occur and may be life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include trouble breathing, wheezing, feeling faint, throat or facial swelling, clammy skin, and a rapid heartbeat. If you have these symptoms after eating insects, shellfish, or other foods you may be allergic to, call 911 right away! If you have an adverse reaction from swallowing an insect, check the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool for guidance or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Rose Ann Gould Soloway, RN, BSN, MSEd, DABAT emerita
Clinical Toxicologist