When insects get into our living spaces, we may consider them pests. They may even spark emotions like disgust and fear.

The reality is, most insects have an invaluable benefit to our environment. Without them, many essential operations on earth would be undone.

Most insects live in virtually every warm habitat across the globe. They help their living space by performing various tasks.

Insect Duties

Some insects are responsible for pollinating and aerating the soil. Some are responsible for breaking down dead plants and animals. Others control the population of smaller nuisance insects.

1. Pollinator insects

Insects such as bees, butterflies, ants, and moths pollinate flowers and plants. Because the pollination powders on plants cannot move, they rely on these insects to aid in the process.

Without these insects, fruit trees, garden plants and flowers wouldn't be able to produce.

2. Decomposer insects

Insects such as beetles, ants, worms, flies, and wasps help to wear down dead flesh of animals. They lay their larvae in the animal remains to ensure their younglings have a feast to thrive.

Insects such as termites, mites, millipedes, centipedes, and earthworms decompose organic matter. They break down dead plants and trees to return it to the soil.

3. Insects that feed on other insects

Insects such as the praying mantis, ants, nematodes, and ladybugs eat smaller bugs. This helps to keep their population under control.

This is very useful when nuisance insects are over-abundant and creating damage to the surrounding territory.

Pests and Their Purpose

There may be plenty of bugs you may consider pests that are wonderful for our environment. While some insects may carry the risk of disease, much like any other creature on earth, they get a bad wrap for it. Let's clear up some stigma with certain pest insects and discuss their greater purpose.

1. Ants

Ants come in various types like the flying ant, pharaoh ant, black ant, red ant. The list goes on. Ants can find their way into your home and may become a problem, but their environmental benefits are outstanding. As you can see from our previous list, ants are decomposers, pollinators and they control other insect species. They also help to aerate and replenish the soil.

2. Bees

Bees are one of the most important species on the planet. Without bees, our planet would be in grave danger. Bees not only pollinate trees and plants. They also help serve as a mediator between several insect species in complex ecosystems. We may consider them pests when carpenter bees drill holes in our decks or nest in our siding or trees. Without them, we would have no produce or beautiful flowers. So, it is important to look at the bigger picture!

3. Termites

Termites are notoriously feared for present or future homebuyers. The damage they can cause is extensive. They can also be some of the hardest insects to remove from your home due to the way they operate. They are highly invasive. Termites, however, are excellent at what they do. Termites break down wood in forests and turn it into enriched soil. While it may be detrimental to your home, they are essential components of our earth.

Bugs: What Else Are They Good For?

In various parts of the world, insects are used as a nutrient. Many countries consume bugs regularly. In countries such as the US, this may come across as sounding rather stomach-churning. But bugs are an excellent source of protein and vitamins. This well-extends past human beings. They are the main food source for birds, bats, rodents and various other species. While you may not be much of a fan of insects, you cannot deny the impact they have on the functionality in nature. They deserve to be appreciated in their roles for helping the circle of life.