Some are striking with colourful patterns, others rather inconspicuous. Insects come in all colours and shapes.
Fear of insects is generally unfounded
You're probably rolling your eyes and sighing as you think about how some insects will once again make a feast of your sweet treats and delicious barbecue feast this year. These creatures are considered annoying and often perceived as unpleasant and disgusting. Some people panic and flee as soon as a buzzing sound approaches. Hardly any other group of animals provokes such strong reactions. However, insects are fascinating creatures that contribute a very impressive part to our environment. After all, it's not for nothing that we say: "Busy as a bee."
But the insect world is currently facing major difficulties; scientists confirm the dramatic decline in insect populations. Protected areas have been studied for 27 years, and the shocking result is that there is over 75% less biomass of flying insects. The recorded declines affect groups such as wild bees, butterflies, and moths, among others. More than 25% of the insect species listed on the Red List are at least threatened in terms of their populations, with a large portion already extinct. This widespread "trend" needs to be stopped!
Solitary bees make up about 90% of all bee populations
We would greatly appreciate a butterfly house
Why insects are important and how we can protect them? Small but mighty! Insects are indispensable for the balance of ecosystems. For 400 million years, insects have populated the Earth. They are the most diverse class of animals, with over a million species. In Germany alone, there are approximately 33,000 species of six-legged creatures. However, their populations have been rapidly declining for several decades. We will show you why these little helpers make a significant contribution to our ecosystems and need to be protected.
The insect world is diverse, and we cannot do without it. The functioning of almost all ecosystems depends on insects. Six-legged creatures are indispensable for nature and humans. These animals serve different purposes. They act as pollinators, regulators, recyclers, and food providers. Insects collect pollen and nectar, thus ensuring the pollination and survival of 90% of all plant species worldwide. As a result, they secure a large portion of human and animal food. In agriculture and forestry, they prevent the spread of harmful insects. For example, lacewings can consume up to 500 mites or aphids during their development phase. In addition, insects are essential for the fertility of our soils as they help recycle organic matter. They also form an important basis for other animal classes as a source of food. For example, young birds are fed with insects.
We respond more quickly to air pollution
Insects love these homes
How useful is an insect hotel?
Today, the conditions that insects need for nest construction are rarely found in gardens and landscapes. Therefore, in addition to planting, it is advisable to use nesting aids for these six-legged creatures in your natural garden or insect-friendly balcony. Insect hotels not only provide shelter but also nesting sites for the insects.
- Purchase insect hotels made of FSC-certified wood.
- The material must be untreated; varnishes, stains, etc., are not allowed.
- The more holes with different diameters there are, the more species can move in.
- The nesting aid must be securely fixed so that it does not swing back and forth.
- Hang the insect hotel near nectar-rich plants. Choose a sunny spot.
Why are insects at risk? What harms our insects the most?
Numerous studies confirm the drastic decline in insect populations worldwide. Intensive agriculture has a major impact on the alarming state of the insect world since it is the most common form of land use. Over half of the land area is used for agriculture, which increasingly reduces habitats and food sources for insects. Furthermore, habitats are destroyed by the construction of residential areas, commercial spaces, and infrastructure. Therefore, it is especially important in new construction projects to consider the needs of wildlife and integrate insect hotels and wildlife-friendly plantings, for example.
Negative effects are also caused by the use of pesticides. They destroy crucial food sources, nesting sites, and overwintering habitats for our insects. Monotonous landscapes are also detrimental to our six-legged friends. The absence of structures such as field hedges, field margins, and waterways, as well as over-fertilization, leads to a reduction in plant diversity, resulting in the loss of important insect habitats and the deprivation of necessary living spaces.
How do we stop the decline of insects?
Insects are increasingly lacking habitat and food, so it is important to support them in these aspects. They are struggling against the impoverishment of landscapes and the use of pesticides. The goal is to provide insects with valuable habitats in our balconies and gardens. If you have your own garden or balcony, it is essential to avoid the use of pesticides. When it comes to garden or balcony design, the rule of thumb is: diversity is the best friend of your insects. A colorful mix of native plant species should not be missing in your natural garden, as each insect species has different preferences. In addition to pollen and nectar, the little six-legged creatures also use stems and leaves. They are essential for nest construction and are also on the menu for caterpillars. Wildflower mixtures are particularly recommended as they contain a variety of plants and provide the insects with a flower-rich buffet. An insect-friendly garden also includes an open soil area. Get some clay, loam, or silt, find a suitable spot, and place the material there. Moist clay is one of the most important materials for the nest construction of these small creatures.
Would you like to learn more about our six-legged friends? Then take a look at the following portraits and discover what makes these little helpers special.
