Simple Survival by Meyer J. W

Author:Meyer, J. W.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: REF031000 REFERENCE / Survival & Emergency Preparedness
Publisher: Immutable Publishing
Published: 2019-02-12T00:00:00+00:00

Insects

Bugs! For many of us in the Western world, this suggestion sparks sudden distaste. Put that prejudiced notion aside. The truth is that over two billion people worldwide include insects as part of their regular diet. For primitive humans, these easy-to-catch morsels were an abundant food staple. Surprisingly, many of them are fortified with more nutrients than fish or meat. Insects are found almost everywhere and constitute the largest supply of protein on Earth. Hunting or trapping them is easy to do and will almost always yield results even for the unskilled.

Remember that it is never smart to pass on a meal of any kind in a survival situation. Your body begins to cannibalize itself in a matter of days when nutrients are not replaced. Every bit of depletion means that your odds of making it are lessened. Get over the disgust and picture yourself living to indulge in your favorite meal again.

The greater majority of insects are edible but there are a few indicators that will tell you which ones to steer clear of. Those with bright or distinct colors that stand out are often marked that way to show predators that they are poisonous. Pungent smells are also used as a deterrent and should be heeded as such. The ones that have hairy bodies or spines will often cause irritation and are better left alone. Stinging insects and any that inflict a harmful bite are also not the best choices.

You should also always avoid the ones that are known to carry diseases such as flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. Naturally, there are exceptions to these rules. Oddly enough, stink bugs can be boiled to get rid of the stench, hairy tarantulas are regularly eaten in parts of South America, and scorpions are widely favored for their crab-like taste once the poisonous stinger is removed.

Honestly, you should be able to find enough bugs that do not pose any risk. When there is any danger that it could be harmful, or you are in the least bit uncertain, it is best to find something else. If you are concerned that they may have been feeding on something poisonous, it is preferred to purge them first. Keep your catch in a container for a day with some plants that are safe to eat. This should be enough time to get anything bad through their system.

One day in the army when we were training in the field, I caught a huge locust that was bigger than my thumb. Soldiers have a knack for coming up with silly ideas to overcome boredom. One of the guys dared me to eat it for ten dollars. Cleverly, I began to play on some common fears and the disgust factor that troubles many people when it comes to eating bugs. Before long, money was being passed around and the whole platoon was involved. So, I made a good show of it. With wings spread and kicking legs, I chewed it up and down it went. Inevitably, I survived the ordeal and was able to walk away with a week’s pay in my pocket.

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