The Dangers of Eating Insects and Creepy Crawlies

Foraging for food in the wild is an essential skill in bushcraft and survival. From berries and mushrooms to edible plants and small game, nature provides a variety of resources. However, some survivalists and foragers venture into entomophagy—the practice of eating insects and other creepy crawlies—as a protein source. While certain insects can be nutritious and safe, consuming the wrong ones can lead to severe health consequences or even death.

It’s very common for many countries around the world to eat certain insects as a staple food. This practice has crossed over into the world of survival and also stupidity. There’s nothing wrong with eating insects, but only the right ones and only when they are prepared safely. Drunken people during dares and inexperienced survivalists have all met horrible ends from eating a bug they shouldn’t have touched, so if you find yourself in a survival situation, then make sure you keep in mind what not to eat.

Sam Ballard’s Tragic Story

Perhaps one of the most well-known cautionary tales regarding insect consumption is the tragic story of Sam Ballard, an Australian rugby player. In 2010, Sam was at a gathering with friends when he was dared to eat a garden slug. Unbeknownst to him, the slug was carrying a dangerous parasite called Angiostrongylus cantonensis, or rat lungworm.

This parasite typically infects rats but can also be carried by snails and slugs that have fed on rat feces. When ingested by humans, the parasite can cause eosinophilic meningitis, a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord. Shortly after consuming the slug, Sam fell seriously ill, experiencing dizziness, vomiting, and paralysis. He eventually slipped into a coma and, despite surviving, suffered severe brain damage, requiring round-the-clock care for the rest of his life. He tragically passed away in 2018.

Other Related Cases

Sam Ballard’s case is not an isolated incident. There have been other reports of people falling ill or dying due to consuming the wrong insects and invertebrates:

In 2013, a Florida man died after participating in a roach-eating contest. He consumed dozens of live cockroaches, which were later found to be carrying dangerous bacteria and parasites. His death was attributed to an allergic reaction or bacterial infection.

Survivalists attempting to eat raw insects have ended up hospitalized due to infections, allergic reactions, or poisoning.

Cases of foodborne illness from improperly prepared insects have been documented worldwide, particularly in areas where insects are a traditional part of the diet but are not properly cooked or stored.

The Hidden Dangers of Eating Insects

1. Toxicity and Poisonous Insects

One of the greatest risks of consuming wild insects is toxicity. Many insects contain toxins as a defense mechanism against predators. For example:

Blister beetles contain cantharidin, a toxic substance that can cause severe irritation, vomiting, and even kidney damage if ingested.

Fireflies produce lucibufagins, which can be deadly to small animals and harmful to humans.

Certain caterpillars contain toxic spines or internal toxins that can cause allergic reactions or gastrointestinal distress.

Some centipedes produce venom that can lead to swelling, pain, and in rare cases, systemic poisoning.

Consuming an unknown insect without proper knowledge is a gamble with potentially life-threatening consequences.

2. Parasites and Disease Transmission

Insects often harbor parasites, bacteria, and viruses that can be transmitted to humans upon consumption. Some of the most concerning include:

Parasitic roundworms and tapeworms can be found in certain insects, leading to serious internal infections.

Bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli are present in many wild insects, particularly those that scavenge on decaying matter.

Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, can be transmitted by consuming infected insects like assassin bugs.

Unless insects are properly cooked at high temperatures, these pathogens can cause severe illness, particularly in survival scenarios where medical assistance is unavailable.

3. Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis

Many insects contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Some reactions are mild, such as itching or swelling, while others can be life-threatening, leading to anaphylaxis.

People with shellfish allergies should be particularly cautious, as insects share similar proteins with crustaceans. This cross-reactivity can result in a severe allergic response, making insect consumption dangerous for some individuals.

4. Toxic Mushrooms and Contaminated Insects

Another hidden danger comes from the food source of the insect itself. Many insects feed on plants, fungi, or decaying organic matter that may be toxic. For example:

Grasshoppers that have fed on certain plants can accumulate toxic alkaloids.

Some beetles ingest toxic fungi, storing the poison in their bodies.

Insects near polluted areas or agricultural lands may contain high levels of pesticides or heavy metals.

Eating these contaminated insects can result in serious poisoning, neurological issues, and long-term health effects.

How to Safely Eat Insects in a Survival Situation

While the dangers of eating insects are significant, there are ways to minimize risks if foraging for them is necessary for survival.

1. Identify Safe Insects

Stick to well-known edible insects such as:

Crickets

Grasshoppers (with heads, legs, and wings removed)

Mealworms

Ants (cooked to remove formic acid)

Termites

Avoid brightly colored insects, hairy or spiky ones, and those with strong odors—these are often signs of toxicity.

2. Cook Insects Thoroughly

Always cook insects before consumption to kill parasites and bacteria. Roasting over a fire, boiling, or frying are effective methods.

3. Avoid Scavengers and Disease-Carriers

Stay away from insects that feed on decaying matter, feces, or carcasses, such as:

Cockroaches

Flies

Carrion beetles

4. Be Aware of Allergies

If you have a history of food allergies, especially to shellfish, exercise extreme caution when consuming insects.

5. Research Beforehand

If you plan on incorporating insect foraging into your survival skills, educate yourself on local edible species and their preparation methods before attempting consumption in the wild.

While insects can be a viable survival food source, consuming the wrong ones can have devastating consequences. From toxicity and parasites to allergic reactions and real-life tragedies like Sam Ballard’s, the risks should not be taken lightly. Survivalists and foragers should be well-informed, cautious, and always err on the side of safety when considering eating insects in the wild.

Remember: in a survival situation, staying alive is the ultimate goal, and sometimes the best choice is to avoid unnecessary risks. When in doubt, leave that creepy-crawly alone.