They’re tiny, creepy, and crawly — oh yes, and they are everywhere here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Wherever you are, go, or plan on going, you can bet there’ll be some kind of bug close by. Spiders, mosquitoes, beetles, and more make up this diverse, if sometimes creepy, world of bugs.

However, have you ever wondered exactly why we need bugs? Whether they are so tiny you can barely see them or the size of your hand, they come in so many shapes and sizes.

And believe it or not, bugs play a pretty big role in our ecosystem. Without them, the world would certainly be a different place. Here are five reasons why we need bugs for our way of life.

Believe it or not, bugs play a pretty big role in our ecosystem.

1. Circle of Life

Our world is dependent on the life cycle; things are born, they live, and they die. Imagine, however, if nothing broke down after passing away. Bugs are an important part of the circle of life mainly because they break things down. Insects are responsible for recycling plant material, as well as taking care of dead plants, animals, and other organic materials. 

Quite simply, things need to be broken down; otherwise, we’d be surrounded by piles of dead matter. While we don’t give this process a second thought, it is a very necessary process. Thankfully, we have insects around to take care of it.

Additionally, while we may want to keep insects out of our gardens and away from our crops, without them, we’d be overrun by plant growth. Bugs take care of plants other than our price petunias and apple trees. They eat seeds in meadows and feast on weeds. 

2. Pest Control

While you might need to refer to a pest control expert to take care of any problems within your home or on your property, bugs can do a fairly good job themselves. Not only do insects handle dead matter, but they can take care of living pests too. Predator bugs can help protect plants and animals from other annoying insects.

Spiders are some of the most efficient killers, and often take care of dangerous pests like mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches. Ladybugs are especially good for gardens, as they snack on the aphids that tend to kill plants. Many of these predator bugs eat some of the worst offenders, like ticks, gnats, and fleas. If you are looking for pest control experts that won’t cost a dime, look no further than other insects.

3. Pollinating, pollinating, pollinating!

Do you like fruit, nuts, coffee, chocolate, and all that great stuff? Thank a bug that likes to pollinate. Without pollinator bugs, we would be in a heap of trouble. Not only do insects help spread the joy of delightful plants and flowers, but they are responsible for the growth of many of our crops year to year. 

Honeybees are especially important for pollinating, accounting for about 80 percent of all the pollination in the United States alone. Of course, honeybees also provide us with wax and honey that we use just about every day in cooking or cosmetics. In fact, bees and butterflies make up most pollinating insects, though other insects can do the job as well.

They are responsible for the growth of many of our crops year to year.

4. Good Eatin’ for Some

The circle of life is a crazy loop, and just as insects help by breaking down dead matter, they also serve another purpose in the ecosystem: food. Insects are among one of the largest food providers for plenty of animals. Bugs are abundant, and they provide a good source of protein that keeps other animals alive.

Birds, mammals, lizards, and even humans can ingest these little creatures, though most species must be aware of which insects are edible or not. Opossum, frogs, bats, and even other insects depend on insects for most of their intake. Without bugs, many species would be forced to go without and eventually die off.

Insects aren’t just a good snack for animals; some, like locusts, have been a staple in human diets in several parts of the world. These bugs, including termites, caterpillars, and larvae, are high in protein and fat. Of course, with any food, they have to be prepared properly.

5. Medicinally Beneficial Bugs

Bugs fulfill plenty of roles in the ecosystem, but one crucial area that continues to grow is the medical field. While it may be unpleasant to talk about, infections can be a big issue and proper cleaning can be the difference between life and death. In the past, maggots have been used to treat wounds and stop the spread of gangrene.

In fact, they can clean the wound and prevent further infection. While not common practice today, maggots are still observed for their healing benefits.

In addition to destroying dead tissue, some insects, like bees, have powerful venom secretions that can be used in medicines and, of course, anti-venoms. Also, honey has been used as a natural cure for colds, colds, and other issues. This is just the surface of what insects may be able to do for us medically.

Concluding Thoughts

Whether they are pollinating some crucial crops or breaking down dead matter, bugs are an important part of our lives. No matter how big or small, each insect has a purpose. While it may be easy to forget what roles these tiny creatures fulfill, the world is a much better place with them around.  

 


 

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