Insects: More than just pests, they are vital ecosystem workers

The common perception of insects often conjures images of household pests like cockroaches and mosquitoes, or crop-destroying locusts, leading to a reliance on pesticides and fogging routines. As World Insect Day approaches on June 8, it's time to re-evaluate this outdated view.

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In fact, out of over a million species of insects identified by scientists worldwide, only a small fraction are truly pests to crops and human health.

Out of over a million identified insect species globally, only a small fraction are detrimental to crops and human health. The vast majority are silent, unpaid workers of the ecosystem. They ensure continuous pollination, break down organic matter, and maintain the balance of the food chain. Without these crucial insects, Earth's life support systems would falter.

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Without this small group, the life support system on Earth would collapse.

This widespread misunderstanding leads to indiscriminate control measures, including the unregulated use of chemical pesticides and traps that kill beneficial insects alongside pests. While pests like the stem borer, brown planthopper, and rhinoceros beetle can cause significant agricultural losses, estimated in the millions of ringgit per season, a sustainable approach involves targeted control through integrated pest management. This strategy combines natural enemies, good agronomic practices, resistant varieties, and chemical pesticides only as a last resort.

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Dragonflies do not sting, do not bite humans, and do not carry any diseases. Instead, they are highly efficient aerial hunters.

Dragonflies are among the most misunderstood insects. They do not sting or bite humans and do not transmit diseases. Instead, they are highly efficient aerial predators, with adults capable of consuming hundreds of mosquitoes and midges daily. Dragonflies act as natural biological control agents, reducing reliance on chemical sprays. Ecologists also use them as bioindicators; their larvae, which live in water, are sensitive to pollution and require clean, oxygen-rich environments. The presence of adult dragonflies near water bodies signals a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Unfortunately, wetland reclamation and domestic waste pollution are shrinking their habitats.

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The presence of adult dragonflies flying around ponds, ditches, or former mining pools indicates that the aquatic ecosystem there is still in good condition.