What Happens If You Eat a Navel Orangeworm? (With Images)

What Happens If You Eat A Navel Orangeworm?

The navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) is a small moth that is native to the Americas. It is a major pest of citrus fruits, and can cause significant damage to crops. The larvae of the navel orangeworm feed on the fruit, leaving behind unsightly blemishes and making the fruit unmarketable.

But what happens if you accidentally eat a navel orangeworm? Is it harmful to humans?

The good news is that eating a navel orangeworm is not likely to cause any serious health problems. However, it is possible to experience some minor discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In some cases, an allergic reaction may also occur.

If you do eat a navel orangeworm, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and to monitor your symptoms. If you experience any severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

| What Happens If You Eat A Navel Orangeworm? |
|—|—|
| Symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, fever, chills, muscle aches |
| Treatment | Activated charcoal, supportive care |
| Prevention | Avoid eating navel oranges that have been infested with navel orangeworms |

What is a Navel Orangeworm?

A navel orangeworm is the larva of a moth in the family Tortricidae. The adult moth is a small, brown insect with a wingspan of about 1 inch. The larva is a white, legless worm with a brown head. It feeds on the fruit of citrus trees, including oranges, grapefruits, and lemons.

Navel orangeworms are a major pest of citrus crops. They can cause significant damage to fruit by burrowing into the flesh and leaving behind frass (worm droppings). Infested fruit may be unsightly and may not be suitable for sale.

Symptoms of Eating a Navel Orangeworm

If you eat a navel orangeworm, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Fever
• Rash
• Hives
• Swelling
• Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)

In most cases, the symptoms of eating a navel orangeworm will go away on their own within a few days. However, if you experience any severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Eating a navel orangeworm is not recommended. If you accidentally ingest a navel orangeworm, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and to watch for any signs of an allergic reaction. If you experience any severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

What Happens If You Eat A Navel Orangeworm?

• Q: What is a navel orangeworm?

A: A navel orangeworm is the larva of a moth that infests oranges. It is a small, white worm with a brown head.

• Q: Are navel orangeworms harmful to humans?

A: No, navel orangeworms are not harmful to humans. They do not transmit diseases, and they do not cause any health problems.

• Q: What happens if you eat a navel orangeworm?

A: If you eat a navel orangeworm, you will not experience any ill effects. The worm will be digested along with the rest of the orange.

• Q: Are there any risks associated with eating a navel orangeworm?

A: There are no known risks associated with eating a navel orangeworm. However, some people may find it unpleasant to eat a worm, and they may choose to avoid doing so.

• Q: How can I prevent navel orangeworms from infesting my oranges?

There are a few things you can do to prevent navel orangeworms from infesting your oranges:

• Store oranges in a cool, dry place. Navel orangeworms are more likely to infest oranges that are stored in warm, humid conditions.
• Inspect oranges before eating them. Look for signs of navel orangeworm infestation, such as small holes in the skin or wormlike larvae inside the fruit.
• If you find navel orangeworms in your oranges, discard them immediately. Do not eat oranges that have been infested with navel orangeworms.

Additional Resources

• [USDA: Navel Orangeworm](https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/factsheets/navel_orangeworm.shtml)
• [University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Navel Orangeworm](https://ucanr.edu/sites/IPM/files/245745.pdf)

  eating a navel orangeworm is not harmful to humans. However, it is not a good idea to eat them intentionally because they can be difficult to digest and may cause an upset stomach. If you accidentally eat a navel orangeworm, do not worry. Just drink some water and the worm will pass through your system without any problems.