Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
The practice of eating insects is referred to as entomophagy, and nearly 2 billion people on the plant regularly partake in eating insects and have been doing so for decades. Insects are most widely consumed in parts of Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Central Africa. The most popular insects to consume are caterpillars, beetles, wasps, bees, and ants.
Not sure if eating insects is right for you? Aside from saving on your extermination bill, eating bugs has some health benefits too. Entomophagy advocates support that insects are packed with protein and are more sustainable and eco-friendly than most other animal proteins. Also, insects emit less ammonia and fewer greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and require less water and land to survive, as opposed to other four legged animal food sources.
Still not convinced? It is no surprise that our Western culture has placed a stigma on insects. From the time we are little, we are conditioned to believe that insects are pests and that they harbor diseases. In other words, our thoughts on bugs amount to disgust, which is why we, as a culture, are not accustomed to consuming insects. Entomophagy is not something our culture is or has ever been accustom to, mostly due to our climate changes. Cold and harsh winters cause bugs to seem virtually non-existent for months out of the year. However, in parts of the world where the winter climate is not an issue, cultures have been enjoying bugs as a major source of protein since the dawning of time. Not to mention, consuming bugs is a more affordable, readily available protein than the meats we consume in our culture.
Do not fear, we are not encouraging you to take your next snack break in the basement eating crickets. There are food-grade insects available for consumption, which are the type of insects being used in creating these bug enriched foods. Researchers have found ways to incorporate insects into foods that Americans find comforting, such as chips. This approach is in hopes of attracting Westerners to the idea of consuming insects. Do not worry, your wonderfully flavored Doritos will not be infiltrated with crushed crickets anytime soon. Although there is little research as to how well Americans support the idea of consuming insects in any form, the possibilities are real. However, even with all the hype about high protein, crickets will by no means replace steak night for us Westerners, at least not yet.
AAA Pest and Termite Control services the Memphis and Cordova, TN areas. If you are not keen on the idea of eating your bugs, call us, and we will exterminate them for you