Growing scientific evidence suggests insects may be capable of experiencing pain and negative states, raising important questions for farming, research, and pest control.
If insects experience something like pain or suffering, the scale of harm in current practices is enormous. Insect farming, pesticide use, and fumigation affect vast numbers. The precautionary principle suggests welfare measures should be considered even before certainty is established. Rapid, temperature-based killing is likely more humane than slow asphyxiation for mass insect production.