If you prefer to remove parts, the procedure works best when the insect is frozen or already dry roasted. Insects with a hard outer shell have parasites and a few are transferable to humans, so cook them before eating. Grasshoppers, in particular, can carry several parasitic worms that can be passed to humans as does beef. Most other insects can be eaten raw but cooking normally improves their taste. Do not eat insects such as spiders, mosquitoes and some ants such as the fire ant or insects that have a pungent odor.
Insects are best if cooked or frozen while alive.
Once insects die they can become unpalatable. Actually insects can be kept alive for several days in a refrigerator. Freezing or refrigeration serves two purposes. The insects can be collected over a period of time until an adequate quantity is gathered and the more lively insects will be slowed down for easier preparation. Larvae are easier to eat than adult insects.