Insects represent an enormous proportion of all animals farmed and killed, yet their capacity for suffering remains scientifically contested.
Given the uncertainty about insect sentience and the scale of insect farming, the precautionary principle argues for adopting more humane killing methods where feasible. Evidence suggests that high heat, cold, or hypoxia cause more distress than rapid chilling followed by physical destruction. As insect agriculture grows, welfare standards should evolve with the evidence.