Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have discovered recently that I have allergies from mealworms. I did a search and found out it is not that uncommon. Its actually the dust from the thier waste that causes the allergic reaction. Has anyone ever experienced this and gone to an alternate food source. I don't want to do crickets and it seems like my only answer is to get rid of my Leopards and Tokays. Thanks in advance for any help....Joe

If it is just a skin allergy just use medical vynal gloves to handle the mealworms.

Oh no its not just the hands. I get puffed up itchy eyes, itchy throat and my nose starts running. I have read that its no joking matter.....the dust waste from insects really affects some people. Just to keep my collection going till I sell them I wear a dust mask and eye shield and vinyl gloves. I look like I'm going into a quarantine area......Joe

dubia roaches are a good alternative. It seems horrible but they breed really easy, dont smell at all, and are actually really nutritious. Order a few breeders then just feed and water them, and clean out their container every month or so. Also silk worms and wax worms, but those should only be used as treats really. Why no crickets though? It would seem crazy to get rid of your leos just because you didnt want to feed them crickets.

Crickets contain the same allergens as the mealworms. Something to do with the exoskeleton and thier waste. I look like I have poison ivy when I get the reaction on my hands.

I think roaches would be your best bet then. You can get a few adult pairs online for like 20 bucks and before you know it you will have a little colony.

Joe,
I have a couple of friends that have had allergic reactions to mealworms (one had to be taken to the Dr. due to breathing problems!), they are currently working with crickets with no ill effects.
You are correct though, it is not just direct contact that causes issues with the worms.
Keep us posted on what you decide.
One additional note- you could always work with a gecko that does not require live food- crested geckos or day geckos- that will eat the crested gecko diet (let me know if you need more information on this).
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Wally
Supreme Gecko Site: www.supremegecko.com
e-mail: Supreme Gecko e-mail

HI, I'm not an amphibian person at all, but I found your post in researching meal worm allergy - I'm quite sure I have it, found a few larval casings in the cardboard edge of a box of batter I used. Went into seriouos reaction, itchy hands, sneezing, puffed up filled with water eyelids, asthmatic breathing, I freaked. Took a bunch of benadryl, inhalers, antihistimines, drops and nasal sprays and laid down for a few hours till it subsided, it's been 48 hrs and still have puffed up eyes. What do you do when this happens? Should I get a prescription for an epi-pen? I take a daily antihistamine for all my other allergies, but this was over the top. Any advice?