Many friends have asked whether old tea with small insects on it is still drinkable. Some customers also inquire if tea with many 'insect holes' is safe to consume. To help everyone better understand 'tea insects,' the editor consulted experts and researched online to provide useful information.

Regarding 'tea insects,' there are two types: the commonly seen white small insects and the less common gray-black small insects. The white insects are not actual 'tea insects' but 'paper insects' that feed on packaging paper. The gray-black insects are the true 'tea insects,' which reportedly only consume tea leaves. However, very few people have seen these true 'tea insects' in the market.

What are paper insects?

Paper insects are small white insects commonly referred to as 'paper insects.' These insects create small holes in the packaging paper of Pu-erh tea, known as 'insect eyes.' Fortunately, these insects only eat the paper and do not significantly affect the tea's quality. To deal with them, simply brush off the tea leaves and store the tea in a dry, ventilated place. Extreme methods like sun-drying or freezing are not recommended, as they may alter the tea's quality.

Tip: The appearance of tea packaging affects its market value, so it's important to prevent 'tea insects' from damaging the packaging.

What are true 'tea insects'?

True 'tea insects' are gray-black and have a short lifespan, often dying and blending into the tea. According to experienced tea drinkers, these insects are beneficial and appear in high-quality Pu-erh tea. They consume tea leaves, and their presence is said to improve the tea's color, taste, and durability. 'Dragon Pearl Tea' (or insect feces tea), made from their excrement, is considered more nutritious than regular tea.

Tip: 'Tea insects' appear under proper storage and aging conditions and should not be confused with insects attracted to damp environments.

Regardless, insects on tea can be unsettling, so proper storage and regular checks are essential to prevent infestations. However, if your Pu-erh tea has true 'tea insects,' it might not be a bad thing!