Insects Are Disappearing—Here’s How You Can Help

Pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides harm bugs and ripple through the environment, affecting birds, fish, mammals, and even humans. So, let’s look at who bugs are—and how we can help our tiny neighbors.

The Inner Worlds of Bugs and Other Tiny Animals

Scientists are discovering that insects may experience a range of emotions, including pleasure, depression, and optimism. A study by researchers at the University of Arizona and King’s College London reveals the striking similarities between animals—like flies and humans—in how the brain regulates behavior.

Though small, insects are intelligent. Bees can count to four. Cockroaches can play dead to escape predators. Wasps can use tools. Just because insects communicate in ways humans can’t understand doesn’t mean they don’t think or feel. And when they’re poisoned, trapped, threatened, or killed, they likely experience stress, fear, and anxiety. Yet, humans dump toxic chemicals onto their habitats without a second thought.

Rethinking the Outdated Lawn Ideals

Some homeowners don’t realize that when they spray to kill a specific bug or flower, they endanger entire insect populations. Some may be misled by packaging that claims a product is “eco-friendly.” But an insecticide meant to kill invertebrates won’t magically spare bees or butterflies. And why take a life when there are humane options?

Animals known as pollinators—like bees, bats, and butterflies—are also vulnerable to poison. Herbicides wipe out their food sources, and pesticides can weaken or kill them. But the harm doesn’t stop there: studies show these chemicals contribute to bird population declines and pose health risks to humans.

Humane Insect Deterrents:

These are simple, animal-friendly ways to keep insects out of your space without causing harm.

• Essential Oils: Grab a spray bottle and mix peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender oils with water. Spray where needed. But be careful! Essential oils can be toxic to your animal companion.
• Garlic Spray: Make a simple garlic-water mix to ward off mosquito bites.
• Citrus Peels: Mosquitoes also dislike citrus. Place orange or lemon peels around your plants or doorways to keep them at bay.
• Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon around your plants to discourage ants.
• Neem Oil: Use neem oil as a repellent before hikes. It’s also safe to use on your canine companion’s collar.
• Coffee Grounds: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around your garden.
• Mint: Plant mint in your garden or put mint leaves around your home. (Then, enjoy some in your tea!)

How We Can Help Bugs and Other Small Animals

We can: 

• Spread awareness among your family, friends, and neighborhood groups about the dangers of insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides.
• Talk to neighbors about native plants. 
• Plant butterfly gardens in our yards—or even local parks
• Build “bug hotels” with kiddos to create safe nesting sites. 
• Leave natural food sources like berries or seeds in your yard to feed birds and small animals
• Encourage friends and family to let their grass and wildflowers grow for pollinators and other animals.
• Plant trees or shrubs so birds and other small animals have a place to live. 
• Always keep your feline companions indoors. Not only is it unsafe for them to be outdoors, they also kill billions of birds and small mammals every year.

Let’s Help Small Animals Now—Before It’s Too Late 

According to a 2019 report by Biological Conservation, insect species have declined 40% globally, and one-third of these species are at risk of extinction. By protecting and preserving insect populations, we can help sustain the complex web of life on the planet.

So, let’s do our part and help the smallest among us in any way possible!

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