How to Locate Edible Bugs and Insects For Survival
When it comes to survival situations, food is often a precious commodity. Your body needs energy to survive, and if you don’t have access to traditional sources of sustenance, you may have to turn to more unusual methods of finding food. One such method is harvesting and consuming edible bugs and insects. Although it may sound unappealing, insects are a great source of nutrition, and they can be a reliable source of sustenance in an emergency.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to locate edible bugs and insects, how to properly harvest and clean them, and how to safely store and preserve them for later. So keep reading to discover how to find an unexpected source of nutrition in an emergency.
Where to Find Edible Bugs and Insects
The first step in harvesting edible bugs and insects is to know where to look for them. Here are some of the most common places to find edible bugs and insects:
Woodlands and Forests: Woodlands and forests are great places to find insects. In particular, you’ll find plenty of ants, beetles, caterpillars, and grubs.
Grasslands and Meadows: Grasslands and meadows are excellent places to find edible insects. Look under rocks and logs, as well as in the grass and foliage.
Wetlands and Bogs: Wetlands and bogs are great sources of edible bugs and insects. Look for water bugs, mollusks, and aquatic larvae.
Deserts and Arid Areas: Deserts and arid areas are home to a variety of edible bugs and insects, including beetles, ants, and cicadas.
You should also be aware of seasonal availability. Certain bugs and insects are only available at certain times of the year, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local climate and seasonal patterns.
How to Harvest Edible Bugs and Insects
Once you’ve located a source of edible bugs and insects, it’s time to harvest them. Here are a few tips for harvesting edible bugs and insects:
Use a net or jar: A net or jar is one of the best tools for harvesting edible bugs and insects. It allows you to capture the insects without damaging them.
Use a flashlight: A flashlight is a great tool for finding edible bugs and insects. Shining a light into dark places will often reveal hidden bugs and insects.
Be gentle: When harvesting bugs and insects, it’s important to be gentle. If you’re too rough, you may damage the bugs or insects and make them inedible.
How to Clean Edible Bugs and Insects
Once you’ve harvested your edible bugs and insects, it’s time to clean them. Here are a few tips for cleaning edible bugs and insects:
Remove the exoskeleton: The exoskeleton of an insect is not edible, so it’s important to remove it before consuming the bug. You can do this by gently rubbing it off with your fingers.
Remove the organs: All of the organs of an insect are also inedible, so it’s important to remove them before consuming the bug. Use a tweezer or a pin to remove the organs.
Wash the bug: Once you’ve removed the exoskeleton and organs, it’s important to wash the bug. Use a mild soap and water to ensure that the bug is free of dirt and debris.
How to Store and Preserve Edible Bugs and Insects
Once you’ve harvested and cleaned your edible bugs and insects, it’s important to store and preserve them for later. Here are a few tips for storing and preserving edible bugs and insects:
Freeze-drying: Freezing is one of the best ways to preserve edible bugs and insects. Place the bugs and insects in a sealed container, and place the container in the freezer.
Dehydrating: Dehydrating is another great way to preserve edible bugs and insects. Place the bugs and insects in a dehydrator, and set the temperature to the lowest setting.
Vacuum-sealing: Vacuum-sealing is another great way to preserve edible bugs and insects. Place the bugs and insects in a vacuum-sealed bag, and seal the bag.
Harvesting and consuming edible bugs and insects is a great way to find sustenance in an emergency survival situation. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to locate edible bugs and insects, harvest and clean them, and safely store and preserve them for later. So next time you find yourself in an emergency survival situation, don’t forget to look to the ground and take advantage of an unexpected source of nutrition.