What happens if you accidentally swallow a bug?

Author: Edison Balistreri  |  Last update: Saturday, August 30, 2025

Your body digests them the same as any other protein-rich food, according to Dr. Bobbi Pritt, MD, FCAP, a microbiologist, pathologist, and director of the clinical parasitology laboratory at Mayo Clinic. “Eating a bug now and then probably won't be a problem for most,” Dr. Pritt says.

What to do if I accidentally swallowed a bug?

How to deal with swallowing insects
  • Don't chew
  • Wash it down with some liquid, preferably something with a strong taste such as an energy drink
  • Spit as soon as you can
  • Swallow as soon as you can -- you don't want it bumping around back there
  • Hack up as much as possible
  • First fly swallowed of the year -- it's spring.

What happens if a bug goes down your throat?

“Eating a bug now and then probably won't be a problem for most.” However, certain insects that can sting or bite such as bees, wasps, fire ants, and some types of caterpillars, can be a problem if you swallow them. “Usually eating one will just cause mild pain and localized swelling if it bites or stings you,” Dr.

Can bugs survive being swallowed?

In general tho, you really don't need to worry. Your stomach acid is extremely strong (close to battery acid) so it will certainly die. Plus, most bugs are pretty rich in protein, which is always a good thing.

How do you get rid of a bug in your throat?

“Coughing will usually expel the bug, but it's a concern if it moves significantly below the vocal cords,” she says.

What If You Accidentally Swallow a Bug?

How do you treat swallow bugs?

Insecticides can be useful in speeding the elimination of bat bugs and swallow bugs present in a building. These are applied as dusts or sprays, injected into cracks and crevices where bat bugs and swallow bugs enter.

How long does a throat bug last?

Most sore throats happen because of a viral infection, like the common cold or flu. In addition to the soreness, you may have symptoms like a cough or runny nose. Most sore throat symptoms go away within three to 10 days.

Can you get a disease from swallowing a bug?

“Eating a bug now and then probably won't be a problem for most,” Dr. Pritt says. An exception is insects like flies, which often carry the bacteria Shigella on their feet. Shigella causes severe and, frequently, bloody diarrhea in humans.

Can the human body digest bugs?

Study says humans can digest bugs, assuming they want to. The thought of eating an insect makes most people cringe – at least those who live in America, Canada and Europe, a minority of the world's population who would not let a cricket, grasshopper or beetle near their dinner table.

What happens if I inhale a bug?

Inhaling something into your lungs that shouldn't be there can lead to aspiration pneumonia — especially if you're unable to cough it out (or you don't notice). Anything that's not air can bring bacteria with it, which causes the infection.

Why does it feel like I swallowed a bug?

It's also called 'globus sensation'. Globus is usually not a sign of anything serious. It can be caused by many things, such as an increased tension of muscles or irritation in the throat. Your throat can be irritated by, for example, reflux.

How do you know if you have a swallow bug?

Swallow bugs can be identified by their small size, pointed head, and brownish-gray color. They are visible to the naked eye but can be difficult to find in dark crevices. It can be hard to distinguish swallow bugs from other types of bed bugs.

What happens if you accidentally swallow something big?

Swallowed objects almost always make it to the stomach. Once there, they usually travel safely through the intestines. They are passed in a normal stool in 2 or 3 days.

What if I accidentally ate a roach?

You may wonder, what happens if you eat a cockroach egg or a roach by accident. While this scenario is rare, cockroach eggs and roaches are not poisonous. However, they can still cause gastrointestinal issues or infections due to the bacteria they may carry.

What does a dead bed bug look like?

How Can You Tell if Bed Bugs are Dead? If you're trying to determine if bed bugs are dead or alive, there are a few things you can look for. One sign is if the bed bug has been squashed – its body will be flat, and there may be blood on its surface. Bed bugs that have been crushed will also give off a musty odor.

What bugs are not safe to eat?

Insects that can cause allergic reactions include silkworms, grasshoppers, locusts, cicadas, meal worms, and others. Reactions from eating them for those who are allergic can range from mild to severe. A serious reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can occur and may be life-threatening.

How digestible are insects?

Insect Meal Digestibility

However, despite these differences, the protein digestibility of insects can be considered to be high; most species are between 80% and 90%, and even the larva of the lepidopteran Laniifera cyclades is reported to have 98.9% protein digestibility [51].

Will I be OK if I swallowed a bug?

First, don't panic. The good news is there's likely nothing to be afraid of. “Most insects are totally harmless if ingested,” said Dr.

Can you get a bug in your gut?

Gastroenteritis may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, including: stomach viruses like norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus. The winter vomiting bug (norovirus) is the most common type of viral gastroenteritis. bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E.

What happens if you accidentally swallow a stink bug?

Ingesting stink bugs may lead to symptoms such as an upset stomach or mouth irritation, but they are not toxic or harmful beyond causing potential skin irritations, minor discomfort, and allergies.

What kills throat viruses?

Antibiotics are important for F-throat. But pharyngitis that's caused by a virus won't get better with antibiotics. You'll just need to take care of yourself and wait for your body to fight off the infection. To soothe a sore throat, drink warm liquids such as tea with honey or lemon.

When to go to the ER for a sore throat?

In rare cases, a sore throat can be considered an emergency. If you or someone in your care experiences difficulty breathing, drooling, and significant difficulty swallowing, visit a hospital ER immediately.

What is a red flag for a sore throat?

See your doctor as soon as possible if your sore throat lasts longer than one week or is accompanied by: Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Hoarse voice for more than one week. Pus on the back of your throat.

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