I think it is important for you to know that there is a possibility for you to be allergic, or to become allergic, to the bug species you want to keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We talk here about possible allergies induced by handling (contact) or taking care of bug pets. This article is not about ingestion or any other kind of allergies. When having doubts if you have a bug allergy always make contact with a doctor or allergist.<\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n You can have an allergic reaction from the beginning of keeping a particular bug species. However, it can also occur that you build up an allergic reaction. This built-up is particularly the case when handling the bug itself or when you make contact with their faeces, moult skin or saliva. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, dust from the faeces and shivers of their moult skin can get whirling in the air, so in that way, you still can have an allergic reaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not everybody develops an allergy to particular bugs, and it is even so that when you react to one certain bug species doesn’t automatic means you react to another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, factors that may increase your chance of bug allergies include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are ways to reduce the risk of developing an allergic reaction. These actions will not eliminate the development of allergies but positively contribute that you can enjoy your bugs in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can start with using disposable latex gloves with everything you do with your hands during cleaning and handling of the bugs. The additional benefit of doing this is decreasing the possibilities of cross-contamination<\/a>, at least, if you change gloves with every bug species or enclosure. It would be a good habit to use these gloves when working with your bugs. This would also be (and maybe especially) the case when handling feeder insects, as you’ll read in the next section. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also use a facemask to reduce the amount of dust and allergens you’ll breathe in during cleaning. The use of facemasks is specifically desirable when ventilation of the room is not optimal or is limited. It is also advisable when you take care of your bugs daily (and even more when using and breeding live feeder insects every day or on a large scale). <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are allergies for some bugs documented. Below are the bugs where it is known that allergies can develop when handling them regularly. Obviously, this list is limited to the more known allergies and does not make any guarantee that when your bug is not listed below, that you can’t develop an allergy for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Allergy of cockroaches is one of the most documented allergies. Maybe because it is the one allergy that most people have? It is not only an allergic reaction after direct contact but also from contact with their frass (faeces), shedding body parts or saliva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms that are described are irritation of the skin, eyes, nasal congestion, coughing or sneezing more in the proximity of cockroaches. It is documented that people with asthma may be affected more or quicker to an allergic reaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPreventive measures to reduce allergy development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Couple of known bug allergies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cockroaches<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Locusts and grasshoppers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n