
Admittedly, the word "pests" doesn't connote benefits. However, certain insects have merits for us and our environment. In fact, scientists have identified 29 helpful bugs. 1* Here's a look at some critters and their life-giving attributes.
Impressive Credentials
If a beneficial bug were to write up its resume, here are some abilities it might profess:
pollination
decomposing matter
ingesting bugs that harm food sources
creating useful byproducts
controlling insect populations
increasing crop yields 2*
Below are eight hardworking insects, including some that sustain our very lives.
Spider
This insect consumes several types of pesky bugs, including aphids, caterpillars, mosquitoes, mealybugs, roaches, flies, earwigs, fleas, mites, moths, centipedes, and whiteflies. Spiders spare farm crops from obliteration by other pests. In fact, if spiders became extinct, our lives would be endangered by famine.
Ladybug
This beetle feeds on aphids, mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and Colorado potato beetles. Both adults and larvae have voracious appetites....