Freezing insects to kill parasites?

[MarketTree]

Hello,

I’ve had a number of reptiles over the years and have become distrusting of the quality/health of the feeder critters purchased from pet stores. As such, I’m paranoid about getting feeder crickets or mealworms from the pet store and introducing mites or some other parasite.

The question is, if I freeze the crickets for a couple of days first, will that be enough to kill any mites or parasites that may be present?

Thanks a lot!

[Haze809]

Any reason you want to opt for freezing instead of boiling?

[MarketTree]

Any reason you want to opt for freezing instead of boiling?

No real reason. It just seemed quick and easy to pop them into the freezer Immediately after purchase and take them out as needed.

So, I know that boiling is the sure fire way to kill mites, but would freezing also do the trick? And do you think I’m crazy for being paranoid about pet store feeders?

[acuriousnewbie]

for what i know...freezing just slow the time the parasites grow?It dosen't really kill it. But might work if you put it directly in after buying...so it dosen't start growing at all.

[MarketTree]

for what i know...freezing just slow the time the parasites grow?It dosen't really kill it. But might work if you put it directly in after buying...so it dosen't start growing at all.

Great to know! Thanks a lot for the input!

With boiling, how long should a cricket be boiled to kill all possible mites, parasites, etc?

[ttshaw1]

I've always heard that parasites are killed in the freezer. Not bacteria, but multicellular animals.

[RuinedDrone]

Almost all multicellur orgnisms are killed by freezing as the ice crystals destroy the cells. Freezing will also kill many Bacteria but there are also many that can / will survive it.

So apart from a few speclised orgnisms such as the Tardgrad and even few frogs and fish there are few that can stand prelonged freezing below -10 (most freezers are around -18)

so yes as most parasites and mites are also in the insect family they will die at simular temptures to the animals insects (ants) they infect.

But as I would be as conserened about bateria infections boiling is a good move. However on the flip side boiling alters the protin structure of the food unlike freezing so some of the nutrition will be lost with boiling.

Personal i would look for a good supplier who garantee the conditions they rasie the feeder insects in. and if you are in any way conserned then i woudl Boil, as above freezing will sort out the parasites but not any infectious agents like bacteria.

[Alaydia]

Unfortunately, freezing generally slows down bacterial growth, it doesn't stop it. Otherwise we'd never get sick in winter (excepting viruses) and as a health care worker, I can attest this is not the case. This is why food can still go bad even in the freezer. Parasites, I can't speak for. Freezing insects will also tend to dry them out, ie freeze drying, which makes them harder for ants to eat because they have to essentially re-wet them.