Buzz
Insects, spiders, snakes, rodents, and other small, crawling creatures often evoke feelings of discomfort and fear in many people. Regardless of the cause, humanity has long been captivated by the grotesque and eerie stories surrounding these animals, whether they are based on truth or pure fiction. A word of caution: this content might not be suitable for mealtime.
10. Rodent Found in a Soft Drink
This urban tale comes in numerous versions, likely because countless individuals have attempted to take legal action against beverage companies, claiming to have discovered a mouse or rat in their drinks. One notable case involved a man who purchased a can of Mountain Dew from a workplace vending machine. After taking a large gulp, he noticed an unusually foul taste. Upon spitting it out, he discovered a deceased mouse inside the supposedly sealed can.
Following the alleged incident, he filed a lawsuit against PepsiCo, claiming emotional distress and trauma from consuming a mouthful of a dead mouse. However, PepsiCo's defense introduced a shocking twist. An expert witness testified that the man's story was scientifically implausible. The expert argued that the acidic nature of Mountain Dew would have completely dissolved the mouse, turning it into an unrecognizable jelly-like substance over time.
9. The Infamous Beehive Hairstyle
This urban legend likely originated before the internet era, as the beehive hairstyle fell out of fashion after the 1960s. The tale recounts a teenager who, eager to make a statement at an upcoming dance, used sugar water to stiffen her hair into a tightly coiled beehive shape overnight. The next day, her hair looked flawless, and she carried on with her routine.
Over the following weeks, she became increasingly fixated on maintaining her hairstyle. She avoided washing her hair to preserve the sugar water, which led to severe headaches and a general decline in her health. Ignoring the symptoms, she never consulted a doctor. Eventually, she collapsed, with blood streaming from her scalp. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that a colony of insects had been living in her hair, slowly consuming her flesh.
8. Envelope Licking Results in Parasitic Invasion
The tale recounts a woman who, after licking an envelope, suffered a painful paper cut on her tongue. Initially dismissing it as minor, she soon noticed persistent pain and swelling. The discomfort worsened over time, prompting her to seek medical attention. Upon examination, the doctor observed the swelling and decided to perform an immediate procedure, either to remove a lump or drain pus (details vary by version). As the doctor prepared to operate, a live cockroach emerged from her mouth in a horrifying and grotesque manner.
7. Snake Sizes Up Its Owner
This tale revolves around a couple who owned a massive pet python but neglected to keep it securely confined. Believing the snake was well-fed and harmless, they saw no reason for concern. However, the python eventually stopped eating, leading them to suspect illness. Adding to the mystery, the snake began stretching out beside them as if measuring their size. Concerned, they consulted a vet, who urgently advised them to remove the snake from their home. The vet revealed that the python had been fasting and sizing them up, preparing to devour its human owners.
6. Termite Infestation via Mulch
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a rumor spread, causing widespread panic among homeowners. An email chain claimed that fallen trees from the hurricane were being processed into inexpensive mulch, which would soon be available in stores. The alarming part was that this mulch allegedly contained large quantities of Formosan termites.
While there is some truth to the idea that termites can spread through mulch, this specific story is improbable. New Orleans authorities have strictly quarantined any wood suspected of termite infestation to prevent such risks.
5. Ants Invade a Child’s Brain
The story begins with a young boy who, exhausted from playing, decided to take a nap. Unknowingly, he fell asleep near scattered candy, which attracted nearby ants. Upon waking, he initially felt nothing unusual but soon developed an intense itch. Over time, the itching worsened, accompanied by severe headaches. When home remedies failed, his mother rushed him to the hospital.
The doctor was initially puzzled by the boy’s symptoms. An X-ray revealed that ants had infiltrated the child’s brain, forming a colony. The ants’ movement within his brain made surgical intervention impossible, leading to a tragic outcome. While leaving candy around typically only causes minor issues, this gruesome tale was likely fabricated by overzealous storytellers.
4. The Mysterious Computer Crash
The tale describes an elderly woman, unfamiliar with technology, contacting tech support due to an unusual issue. The previous night, she had heard odd hissing noises from her computer. Assuming it needed a break, she turned it off. The next morning, upon restarting, the hissing resumed, and the device began to smoke. The support agent, realizing the issue was beyond remote assistance, dispatched a technician to her home. Upon opening the computer, they discovered a snake coiled inside, drawn to the power supply.
Images of the infamous snake-in-computer have been circulating for some time and appear to be genuine. However, the actual event differed from the legend. It occurred in an Australian office, not a private home. Although the snake was a venomous red-bellied black snake, it posed little threat, as snakes cannot withstand high levels of electricity.
3. The Lethal Stick
A Texas woman was reportedly walking her dog when it began sniffing a twig near their garage. The dog suddenly yelped in pain, and she discovered the “twig” was actually a walking stick insect. Initially dismissing it, she soon noticed her dog’s eye swelling severely. A visit to the vet revealed a chemical burn caused by the insect’s toxic secretion. She sent photos of the insect to entomologists, who identified it as an invasive species of walking stick, far more venomous than native varieties.
While there’s no proof of such an invasive species, the story is credible. A native U.S. walking stick insect can secrete a toxin that causes pain and burns, especially on sensitive areas like the eyes. This tale serves as a reminder to be cautious around seemingly harmless twigs—perhaps even avoid wooded areas altogether.
2. Snake Hidden in Coat Lining
As the legend goes, a woman visited a discount clothing store to try on winter coats. While wearing one, she felt a sharp prick but ignored it and returned the coat. Soon after, she fell seriously ill and slipped into a coma. Despite being unconscious for weeks, she later learned the cause: the coat she had tried on was imported and had a deadly viper concealed in its lining.
The story seems exaggerated, as it’s unlikely a snake could survive an overseas journey trapped in a coat. Yet, this tale has gained widespread belief, with stores like Burlington Coat Factory regularly receiving inquiries about its validity.
1. Restaurant Shut Down for Serving Rodents
The tale begins in Atlanta, Georgia, involving a small chain of Chinese restaurants. Picture dining at your favorite Asian-American eatery, only to later discover on the news that one of its locations was closed for using shocking and unappetizing ingredients in their dishes.
Authorities received a tip about questionable imports at the restaurant and launched an investigation. During the search, they uncovered evidence that the owners had been secretly serving mice and rats to unsuspecting customers. Additionally, they discovered puppies and kittens prepared for cooking. While the legend often includes images of frozen, packaged rodents, no verified records confirm such an incident.
+The Most Disgusting Cookie Ever
A widely circulated online legend tells of a young woman in an unspecified foreign country who bought a pack of Oreo cookies with chocolate cream. Eager to enjoy them, she opened the package and noticed unusual white spots throughout the cream. Inspecting the packaging revealed no explanation for the spots. To her dismay, she realized the cookies were infested with maggot eggs. Although she returned the package and received a refund, the experience likely ruined her appetite for Oreos forever.
