Do you need a mask when dealing with mealworms?

[Brohamster]

I heard the adults produce tocins.

 

[Brohamster]

*toxins

 

[Liquifin]

No, a mask is not needed that I'm aware of. I use meal worms for all my slings and I've never had a problem with any toxins.

 

[Introvertebrate]

Do you need a mask when dealing with mealworms?

No. Only when dealing with unvaccinated humans.

 

[Matts inverts]

I haven’t had any major reaction from the dust or smell. If you use the bran that gets dusty, I would use one because the dust is bad and it’s not good to inhale.

 

[DaveM]

You'll get more exposure to benzoquinones from smoking one cigarette than from a lifetime of raising mealworms as feeders.
Bombardier beetles are a different story; they can make a lot of the stuff and spray it at you, which could cause skin irritation.

edit: Also, cloth masks don't protect you at all from volatile small molecules, evaporated into the air we breath.

 

[Malum Argenteum]

I don't think "toxin" is accurate.

I'm allergic to mealworm frass -- one ER visit figured that out for me. A mask helps, and good air circulation in the room helps also (there is an exhaust fan in my rep room). I handle mealworms by the thousands, though, and I doubt feeding Ts a few would affect me.

Interestingly, I've not had a reaction since I started using Flonase (OTC nasal allegy spray) daily for other allergies.

 

[Hakuna]

It’s possible to develop an allergy to mealworm frass. Extremely unlikely, though. Wouldn’t worry about it unless you’re practically snorting it daily.

 

[Malum Argenteum]

It’s possible to develop an allergy to mealworm frass. Extremely unlikely, though. Wouldn’t worry about it unless you’re practically snorting it daily.

It is fairly common among people with regular exposure. Working in the aquarium trade, about half my coworkers were allergic to frozen midge larvae, which is likely related to mealworm sensitivity (I'm sensitive to both, as are other people I've met).

I agree that unless your exposure is high, or you know you're sensitive to it, it isn't worth worrying about. If you handle mealworms and experience any difficulty breathing, though, get to a hospital immediately. Anaphylaxis is no joke, and doesn't care if you're a tough guy.

 

[Dragonsongbird]

I have an entire breeding farm and don’t use a mask. The tank can get a bit smelly, but that’s a mixture of the old grain and food pellets.

 

[The Snark]

I don't think "toxin" is accurate.

I'm allergic to mealworm frass -- one ER visit figured that out for me. A mask helps, and good air circulation in the room helps also (there is an exhaust fan in my rep room). I handle mealworms by the thousands, though, and I doubt feeding Ts a few would affect me.

Interestingly, I've not had a reaction since I started using Flonase (OTC nasal allegy spray) daily for other allergies.

Let's keep in mind folks, anaphylaxis kills more people than household toxins. Berserk immune systems are no joke.

 

[DomGom TheFather]

Are your mealworms vaccinated?

 

[Introvertebrate]

Are your mealworms vaccinated?

My mealworms think that toxins are just a phony liberal conspiracy. They feel that being forced to get vaccinated violates their mealworm rights.

 

[viper69]

I heard the adults produce tocins.

Is the Pope American?

 

[chibicricket]

I've never dealt with this before. I've been breeding them for years too. I keep them in a big rubbermaid tub and they are the easiest to keep a constant supply of.