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Blog: Venomous or poisonous, it's all in the delivery

Bugs and insects use toxins to hunt prey or help evade predators.
venom

Bugs and insects use toxins to hunt prey or help evade predators. So are they venomous and poisonous, we often use this interchangeably, but do they mean the same thing? Spiders are equipped with venomous fangs that deliver their poison to prey or use against those that hunt them. Alternatively, some butterflies and caterpillars spread poison simply by being touched or consumed by another creatures. So the main difference between venomous and poisonous is how the toxins are delivered. Wasps, hornets, ants and bees are considered venomous because they inject their venom. Stinging caterpillars, some butterflies and moths are considered poisonous because parts of their bodies have toxic materials that are hazardous if touched or eaten.     

 

Go Green Pest Control owner Randy Bilesky is a long-time South Delta resident. Trained and certified, Bilesky has first-hand knowledge of the pest problems that local homeowners and business owners encounter.