If you have never fed mealworms to your pet or livestock, the first question that probably comes to your mind is, are they safe? What if they have bacteria or diseases? Is it a good idea to give them to your pets, and are mealworms safe for humans to handle?
Mealworms cannot harm humans or animals. Chances of parasites or bacteria in mealworms are very low and they can be eaten raw as long as they were handled properly.
Can Mealworms Bite?
Mealworms are not capable of biting humans. They have a hard exoskeleton but don’t have the means to bite humans.
Instead of sharp teeth, mealworms have tiny mouthparts called mandibles which they use to chew and consume food. However, these mandibles are not designed to break human skin or cause any harm.
Mealworms eat mostly decaying organic matter, fruits, vegetables and grains. Their mandibles are meant to chew these, not human skin. If you hold a mealworm it might try to pinch you, but it will not hurt or cause harm. No matter what you may see in movies, mealworms cannot bite humans.
Can Mealworms Harm You?
Mealworms are harmless to humans. They are mostly docile and rarely attack other insects. Mealworms don’t really go after other insects either. When threatened, mealworms go on to the defensive rather than attack.
Their primary method of defense is to curl up into a C-shape, a behavior known as “thigmotaxis.” This defensive mechanism protects them from potential predators but poses no threat to humans.
I also want to add that mealworms do not have venom or toxins. They may look like worms or snakes but there are no poisons to worry about here. You can grab a mealworm without fear of being poisoned.
Mealworms, just like superworms. are not really worms. They are darkling beetles in larval form. Some people might feel squeamish about holding them, but it won’t cause any harm.
Are Mealworms Safe to Touch?
For the most part, mealworms are safe to touch. They will not bite or sting and as I have noted, are not poisonous. But there are a few things I need to point out especially if you have never touched mealworms before.
If you have allergies, it is possible – though unlikely – that you will experience mild skin irritation. If you do have allergies, wear gloves and wash your hands before and after touching them.
I have never seen someone get skin allergies from holding mealworms. And if it does happen, it is more likely with mealworms in the wild rather than those raised in a farm. But if you have sensitive skin it’s better to be safe.
Whether you have allergies or not, you should only touch clean mealworms. By this I refer to those raised in farms and controlled environments.
Do not touch wild mealworms or those from questionable sources. Do not hold sick or dead mealworms with your bare hands. Wear gloves because they might be afflicted with bacteria, mold or disease.
If you take these precautions you will be fine. In general, mealworms are safe to hold and won’t cause any skin reactions or scratches.
Can Mealworms Carry Parasites?
While it is possible for mealworms to carry parasites, the likelihood is very low. Mealworms today are bred in controlled environments to ensure their quality and safety as a food source.
Mealworm farmers maintain strict hygiene practices and take measures to prevent parasites from afflicting their colonies.
Mealworms also have a relatively simple digestive system which reduces the likelihood of parasitic infections. Their short gut transit time limits the opportunity for parasite eggs to develop and spread.
Research has also shown that mealworms are resistant to certain parasites due to the antimicrobial compounds in their exoskeleton. These compounds inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and parasites, reducing the risk of transmission.
However I have to point out that while rare, it is possible for mealworms to harbor parasites. Some of the reported parasites include nematodes, mites, and fungi. This can happen if the parasites were introduced into the environment or got through during the packaging. or other processes.
Minimizing Parasite Risks
If you are worried about mealworm parasites, make sure you buy only from reputable suppliers. Mealworms kept in well-ventilated containers are less likely to get infected by parasites or bacteria.
If you use mealworms as animal feed, keep an eye on your pet’s behavior and condition. Consult a vet if they display signs of weakness or illness. This doesn’t mean the mealworms are the cause, but ask a vet to rule out that possibility to be sure.
Can Mealworms Transmit Diseases?
Mealworms are not natural vectors for human diseases. Unlike mosquitoes or ticks that can transmit diseases through their bites, mealworms cannot transfer pathogens directly to humans.
It is possible for mealworms to carry pathogens if they were contaminated during storage or breeding. Mealworms in unsanitary conditions are prone to fungi, bacteria and infections.
If these mealworms are eaten by animals or humans, then it is possible for them to be infected While mealworm cannot directly transmit diseases to humans, it can happen if they were contaminated and digested.
Safety Guidelines
To minimize the risk of disease transmission with mealworms, there are some things I recommend.
Buy from reputable suppliers: purchase mealworms from reputable breeders or suppliers who follow stringent sanitation and quality control measures.
Maintain a clean environment: if you have a mealworm farm. keep the colony in a clean and well-maintained habitat. Regularly clean and disinfect the containers, feeding materials, and tools used. Remove waste and dead mealworms as soon as possible.
Proper storage and refrigeration: dried mealworms should be stored in cool temperatures and dry environments. Refrigeration slows down their metabolism and inhibits bacterial growth. You can also keep them in a freezer for an even longer shelf life.
Safe handling practices: use disposable gloves or wash hands thoroughly before and after any contact. This can reduce potential contamination.
Cook thoroughly: If you feed mealworms to animals, cook them thoroughly. Cooking at temperatures above 165°F (74°C) will eliminate any harmful microorganisms present.
While it is rare for mealworms to carry diseases, practicing good hygiene and following safe handling procedures can minimize the risk. As with any food source, it is always prudent to exercise caution to ensure safety.
Is it Safe to Eat Raw Mealworms?
While mealworms are usually cooked before being eaten, but they can also be consumed raw. Chickens, reptiles, birds and other animals prefer live mealworms over dried ones but keep these in mind before feeding them.
Buy live mealworms from trusted sources only. I don’t recommend eating mealworms in the wild to animals. There is no telling what those mealworms have been exposed and might be infected.
Second, eating raw mealworms increases the risk of ingesting potential pathogens. If you want to eat raw mealworms (yes, humans can eat raw mealworms) I recommend freezing or heat treating them first to be safe.
Freezing mealworms -0.4 F (-18 C) for at least 72 hours will kill the bacteria and parasites. This process also prevents the potential transmission of harmful microorganisms that may be present.
Frying or roasting mealworms is another option. Exposing them to high temperature will get rid of any potential contaminants and make them safer to eat. Cooking or roasting mealworms not only ensures their safety but also provides a different texture and flavor.
Related. How to Dry Mealworms
Due to individual sensitivities and allergies, some people may have adverse reactions to eating mealworms, whether raw or cooked.
Entomophagy (insect allergy) can cause symptoms similar to common food allergies, including itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you are unsure about any allergies or sensitivities, consult your health provider first.
Conclusion
Mealworms are by and large safe to touch and eat. Is it possible for them to carry bacteria, parasites and other harmful microorganisms? Yes, but with a common sense approach you can eliminate the risk.
