Risk of pesticide transmission?

[eggsbenedict]

I bought the right sized crickets for my T because I was going to need some more anyway if she isn't in premoult, and it occurred to me I may have made an error with gut loading. So I cut some slices of courgette/zuchini and put them in with the crickets, then this morning I realized that I probably should've washed the vegetables before feeding them to the crickets. Sometimes they can still have residue of pesticides on the skins, so I was wondering if there was a risk of the crickets having ingested a small amount of pesticide which could then be passed onto my T when she eats one. The crickets seem quite healthy and active with there being none of them dead. I'm wondering if these would still be safe to feed or if it's too much of a risk? If it makes any difference, they are just 3rd instar brown crickets I bought from the pet store.

 

[Arachnophobphile]

I bought the right sized crickets for my T because I was going to need some more anyway if she isn't in premoult, and it occurred to me I may have made an error with gut loading. So I cut some slices of courgette/zuchini and put them in with the crickets, then this morning I realized that I probably should've washed the vegetables before feeding them to the crickets. Sometimes they can still have residue of pesticides on the skins, so I was wondering if there was a risk of the crickets having ingested a small amount of pesticide which could then be passed onto my T when she eats one. The crickets seem quite healthy and active with there being none of them dead. I'm wondering if these would still be safe to feed or if it's too much of a risk? If it makes any difference, they are just 3rd instar brown crickets I bought from the pet store.

Yes and no

Depends on the vegetables and the pesticides. I feed my roaches apples. Most of the time I wash them good before slicing it. Sometimes I do not. My roaches never eat the peel and I never had any issues with my T's in that regards.

If it's fruit and vegetables it will be dependent on the type as in if they eat the outer part that is exposed to pesticides.

It's not worth taking a risk with it so remove it and always thoroughly wash any fruit and vegetables first.

 

[eggsbenedict]

Yes and no

Depends on the vegetables and the pesticides. I feed my roaches apples. Most of the time I wash them good before slicing it. Sometimes I do not. My roaches never eat the peel and I never had any issues with my T's in that regards.

If it's fruit and vegetables it will be dependent on the type as in if they eat the outer part that is exposed to pesticides.

It's not worth taking a risk with it so remove it and always thoroughly any fruit and vegetables first.

Some of them have been eating the skin of the courgettes which was my concern yes.

Fortunately they are not too expensive so it's no big deal going to buy some more.

 

[Arachnophobphile]

Some of them have been eating the skin of the courgettes which was my concern yes.

Fortunately they are not too expensive so it's no big deal going to buy some more.

There is always canned fruit and vegetables which I've used for crickets and roaches. Crickets love mandarin oranges from the can.

 

[Ratmosphere]

There's always a risk. Always wash vegetables, even if they are organic.

I personally would not use them, others may see no issue with it.

How many crickets?

 

[eggsbenedict]

There's always a risk. Always wash vegetables, even if they are organic.

I personally would not use them, others may see no issue with it.

How many crickets?

Not sure, maybe like a hundred of them in there or something?

It's because I'm a new keeper I'm not keen to take any risks really, but wanted to just check with some of the keepers here.

I can also have a bit of a tendency to overthink.

 

[viper69]

Yes- which is why I use gut loading food from my herp hobby.

 

[kingshockey]

i just use meal worms cut to size just not worth the time or money spent since the pin head crix out grow the sling before i can feed them off or die.buying one pin head for 15 cents or whatever it is petsmart charges i am better off buying a cup of 25 meal worms once and have them last until my sling is big enough for supers or sdult sized crickets. plus no chirping ot stink either and worm food included with the cup