Can you eat termites?

Nature is full of surprises, and for us North Carolinians, we’re not accustomed to eating bugs on a regular basis. But surprisingly enough, there are several bugs that are totally edible and safe to consume. Termites happen to be one of them!

Now comes the even weirder question… How do people eat them? If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to chow down on what many around the world consider a tasty snack, we have some details here.

What Cultures Eat Termites?


Termites are eaten around the world, including in Africa, Asia, and South America. Usually, these insects are eaten to increase protein and fat consumption in rural areas or areas that experience higher rates of malnutrition. This is because they are high in amino acids and can be found somewhat easily. In addition to the people eating termites in these areas, the insects are also used to feed livestock due to their nutritious content.


Aren’t Termites Dangerous to Eat?


Actually, no. Termites can bite or sting, but they do not carry diseases that are harmful to humans and won’t hurt you if cooked properly. So if that’s what you want to snack on, chow down!

How Do People Cook Termites?

 

Most commonly, termites are cooked in a pan, but they can also be fried or eaten raw. Due to their high oil content, they are nutty in flavor once cooked. But how do people catch termites to begin with? The process is simple. Termites can be collected by placing netting around a light, which will attract the insect, or they can be scooped up during the rainy season as they come out of their nests to eat wood and explore.


What Other Insects are Edible?


There are several bugs that are edible and are eaten regularly around the world. Some of the most common ones include ants, stink bugs (weird, we know), wasp larvae, cicadas, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and crickets. While not insects, scorpions and tarantulas are also served up in dishes around the world, including in Vietnam, China, Venezuela, and Cambodia.

 

Do People Eat Insects in America?


It is not as common to eat crawly things in the United States as it is in other areas of the world. However, you can find insects being snacked on if you look hard enough! Things like cricket flour can be found in your local health food store or ordered online. In addition, several restaurants throughout the country are serving grasshoppers and crickets on their menus as a delicacy.


Got a Termite Problem? Call Clegg’s!


If you think you might have a termite problem and don’t want to solve it by eating the little guys, you can come to us for help! As your local pest control heroes, our team is highly trained in the latest and safest techniques to keep your home or business safe and protected against termites or other insects. Call us at 888-MRCLEGG and take advantage of our FREE inspection today!

 

 

Savings Opportunities

15% OFF

Initial Bed Bug Control Services

Residential and New Customers Only. Call your local branch for details! Excludes Bedding Encasements. Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household.

$100 OFF

New Initial Termite Services

Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household. Applies to new initial termite services only. Does not include termite reports for closings or termite pretreatment services. No cash value. Must be 18 or older to redeem

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Clegg's Locations

Asheville
276-B Haywood Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
Charlotte
1520 Industrial Center Cir.
Charlotte, NC 28213
Clinton
205 Wall St.
Clinton, NC 28328
Durham
2401 Reichard St.
Durham, NC 27705
Fayetteville
500 S. Eastern Blvd.
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Greenville
864 Rivit St.
Greenville, NC 27834
Kernersville
740 Indeneer Dr.
Kernersville, NC 27284
Morehead City
2700 Bridges St.
Morehead City, NC 28557
New Bern
218 Kale Rd.
New Bern, NC 28562
Raleigh
3751 Bastion Ln.
Raleigh, NC 27604
Smithfield
1520 S. Brightleaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577
Southport
4075 Old Bridge Rd. SE
Southport, NC 28461
Wilmington
3417 Enterprise Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28405

Protection on all fronts

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Do you think you may have an infestation?  Don’t waste any more time.  We need to fortify your defenses against an array of formidable foes.  We offer a wide array of residential as well as commercial grade services throughout North Carolina.

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Current Promotions

$39 OFF

Initial General Pest Control Service

Residential and new customers only. Must sign up for pest control maintenance plan. Must be 18 or older to redeem. Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household. Call your local branch for more details.

$100 OFF

New Initial Termite Services

Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household. Applies to new initial termite services only. Does not include termite reports for closings or termite pretreatment services. No cash value. Must be 18 or older to redeem

15% OFF

Initial Bed Bug Control Services

Residential and New Customers Only. Call your local branch for details! Excludes Bedding Encasements. Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household.

15% OFF

Clegg's Military Discount

Are you a current or former member of our nation’s military? We would like to show our thanks and appreciation for your service in the form of a special discount on Clegg’s Pest Control services. Some restrictions may apply. Limit one per household.

$100 OFF

Initial Moisture Control Services

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All Locations

Click on a location below to learn more about services, solutions, and pests in your area.

276-B Haywood Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
1520 Industrial Center Cir.
Charlotte, NC 28213
205 Wall St.
Clinton, NC 28328
2401 Reichard St.
Durham, NC 27705
500 S. Eastern Blvd.
Fayetteville, NC 28301
864 Rivit St.
Greenville, NC 27834
740 Indeneer Dr.
Kernersville, NC 27284
2700 Bridges St.
Morehead City, NC 28557
218 Kale Rd.
New Bern, NC 28562
3751 Bastion Ln.
Raleigh, NC 27604
1520 S. Brightleaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577
4075 Old Bridge Rd. SE
Southport, NC 28461
3417 Enterprise Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28405

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