A new point in history has been reached, entomologists say, as climate-led species’ collapse moves up the food chain even in supposedly protected regions free of pesticides
Reports of falling insect numbers around the world are not new. International reviews have estimated annual losses globally of between 1% and 2.5% of total biomass every year.
Widespread use of pesticides and fertilisers, light and chemical pollution, loss of habitat and the growth of industrial agriculture have all carved into their numbers. Often, these were deaths of proximity: insects are sensitive creatures, and any nearby source of pollution can send their populations crumbling.
But what Janzen and Hallwachs are witnessing is a part of a newer phenomenon: the catastrophic collapse of insect populations in supposedly protected regions of forest. “In the parts of Costa Rica that are heavily hit by pesticides, the insects are completely wiped out,” Hallwachs says.
the issue is, nobody cares about insects
Well I do… we need insects for a lot of reasons… but I fail to see what I can do for them. I’ve added a small water area, I don’t mow aggressively and let a portion of my garden absolutely wild… still I’m obviously having an abysmal and unnoticeable effect on the problem. So what now?
I’ve had a ton of success with bringing back bugs. First off, no pesticides or herbicides. Second, diverse plants with at least 1/2 native, and a decent amount of flowers, plants in the sage family and sunflower family are good choices for a quick impact. Third, mulch, and have areas with dead sticks and wood, rock piles etc.
My property started out with only earwigs, roly-polies and invasive grass. They sprayed everything for spiders.
It’s been 6 years and I have multiple species of bumblebees, flower flies, butterflies, moths, wasps, etc.
Mhhh si more plants it is. I’ll look into which of those are indigenous to Belgium and give it a go :)