Allergic to mealworms??

[Libby15]

I started out trying mealworms when I first got Herman. My fingers would itch after I handled them, so I would wash immediately. I sort of thought that I could be allergic, but I blew it off.

Now I'm reading that it is common.

Anyone else?

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Many people have allergies to the mealworm ectoskeletons and/or dust (droppings). I cannot touch my eyes after handling mealworms or they will swell shut and itch like crazy. I know a very good breeder here on GeckoForums.net that actually had to stop feeding mealworms altogether due to coughing up blood from working with them! I also know of another breeder who had to completely get out of the hobby due to feeder allergies.

 

[acpart]

I also have to make sure I wash my hands after handling mealworms (or, rather, the droppings) or my eyes will swell if I touch them. I sift my mealworms wearing a surgical mask and am on long term perscription nose spray because of the respiratory component. I'm hoping that once we choose and purchase an air purifier for the reptile room (also known as the living room) I will have fewer symptoms.

Aliza

 

[Rejoice in the Lord]

I am very allergic to the dust left by both meal worms and super worms. So far, other feeders are fine :main_thumbsup:

 

[spykerherps]

no allergies her. but looks like it's common.

 

[bitterbeauty]

I think this is a common problem. I remember when I first started breeding mealworms after they first hatched and there were tons of shedded exoskeltons in the bin I took it outside and blew them out....horrible idea. For the next few days I had the worse cough and stuffed up nose! Now I use the vacuum cleaner to clean them out lol.

If you use feeding tongs you dont really have to touch any feeder. That is what I do.