Updated on February 6th, 2025
Insects aren’t just buzzing nuisances or the little pests that invade our picnics. They play a surprisingly big role in keeping the natural world running smoothly. These tiny winged, crawling and hopping creatures don’t just exist—they contribute in ways most of us never stop to appreciate.
So, what’s their grand purpose? Let’s take a look.
Insects kickstart growth:
Many insects are expert pollinators. As they flit from flower to flower, gathering nectar and unknowingly transferring pollen, they help countless plant species reproduce. Think of them as nature’s tiny messengers, keeping gardens blooming and food growing.
Some of the best pollinators in the business? Honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies—and let’s not forget hoverflies and beetles. While bees get most of the credit, hoverflies are pollination powerhouses, often mistaken for bees as they dart from flower to flower, whereas beetles have been pollinating plants for millions of years, especially ancient species like magnolias. Without these hardworking insects, our world would be a lot less colorful—and our plates a lot emptier.
How do honey bees keep plants thriving?
Honey bees don’t just buzz from flower to flower for fun—they’re on a nectar-fueled mission that keeps plants thriving. As a bee lands on a bloom to sip nectar, its fuzzy body accidentally picks up pollen from the flower’s stamens (the male parts). Thanks to specialized hairs, the pollen sticks like Velcro.
When the bee visits another flower, some of that pollen rubs off onto the stigma (the female part), kickstarting fertilization. In other words, honey bees are nature’s tiny matchmakers, ensuring plants reproduce, fruits ripen and ecosystems flourish.
Are yellow jackets pollinators?
When we think of pollinators, honey bees and butterflies usually steal the spotlight. But what about yellow jackets? These striped stingers have a surprising side gig.
Yellow jackets do pollinate—but they’re not built for the job.
- They sip nectar from flowers, just like bees.
- Their sleek bodies don’t pick up pollen well, making them inefficient pollinators.
- But as they dart from bloom to bloom, they still transfer some pollen—earning them a spot as accidental pollinators.
Did you know? Yellow jackets are better hunters than pollinators. Unlike bees, they’re fierce predators, taking down flies, caterpillars and other insects—making them one of nature’s top pest controllers.
Insects recycle:
Insects aren’t just buzzing around—they’re nature’s cleanup crew. These tiny workers break down organic waste—from fallen, dead leaves to rotting garden plants— transforming it into nutrient-rich compost that fuels new life.
Some of the best recyclers? Earthworms, fungi-loving beetles and even certain fly larvae. These often-overlooked decomposers turn dead matter into fertile soil, keeping nutrients in circulation and preventing waste from piling up.
Without these behind-the-scenes recyclers breaking down dead leaves, decaying plants and animal waste, organic matter would pile up, nutrients would remain locked away instead of enriching the soil and ecosystems would struggle to support new growth.
Thankfully, these tiny decomposers keep nature running smoothly—one bite at a time.
Do dung beetles eat poop? How they recycle waste
Dung beetles don’t just clean up waste—they use it to survive. These tiny recyclers roll, bury, and reshape animal droppings, turning them into a resource for themselves and the environment.
So, do dung beetles eat poop?
- Some do. Certain species, called dwellers, feed on dung directly.
- Others use it to nourish their young.
- Rollers shape dung into balls and bury them underground, where they lay their eggs. When the larvae hatch, they have a ready-made meal.
- Tunnelers dig beneath fresh dung and pull it underground, storing food for their young in hidden burrows.
- As they bury and break down waste, they mix oxygen into the soil, speeding up decomposition.
- Their work fertilizes the earth naturally, keeping ecosystems healthy.
By recycling waste, dung beetles help clean up the planet—one pile at a time.
Insects are nature's pest patrol:
Not all bugs are troublemakers—some are nature’s built-in pest control specialists. These tiny enforcers patrol gardens, fields and forests, keeping unwanted critters in check and ensuring that no single species gets out of hand.
By hunting, trapping and outcompeting destructive pests, they help protect plants, preserve ecosystems and support agriculture. Without their tireless work, we’d be overrun with leaf-munching, sap-sucking and crop-destroying insects, leading to damaged harvests, unbalanced ecosystems and a lot more pests than we can handle.
How do ladybugs control pests?
Ladybugs may look charming with their spotted red shells, but beneath their cute exteriors lie fierce garden warriors in disguise. These tiny beetles are nature’s pest control specialists, with an insatiable appetite for insects that threaten our gardens.
Did you know? One ladybug can eat up to 5,000 insects in its lifetime.
Ladybugs reduce the need for chemical pesticides. They hunt down aphids, devour scale insects hidden beneath their tough shells and feast on swarms of whiteflies—helping to protect crops and ornamental plants from damage.
The next time you spot one of these warriors in your garden, know they’re hard at work, creating a healthier, more balanced ecosystem and defending your plants one pest at a time.
What do ladybugs eat?
While best known for eating aphids, ladybugs have a surprisingly varied diet that extends beyond garden pests. These tiny predators are opportunistic feeders, adapting to whatever food sources are available.
So, what’s on a ladybug’s menu?
- Aphids – Their favorite meal! These tiny sap-suckers weaken plants and cause leaves to curl. A single ladybug can devour up to 60 aphids a day.
- Scale insects – Tough on the outside, soft on the inside. Ladybugs break through their shell-like coating to feast on the pests hiding beneath.
- Whiteflies – These tiny, moth-like insects swarm under leaves, draining nutrients. Ladybugs hunt them down, preventing plant damage.
- Mites and other soft-bodied pests – Spider mites, mealybugs and thrips don’t stand a chance. Ladybugs keep their populations in check, protecting plants from stunted growth and discoloration.
- Pollen and nectar – When insect prey is scarce, some ladybugs turn to pollen and nectar for sustenance, even playing a small role in pollination.
Did you know? Aphids don’t just nibble on plants—they tap into their veins and weaken them from the inside out. These tiny pests pierce plant stems like a built-in straw, siphoning sugary sap straight from the phloem. But they can’t process all that sugar, so they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew—which attracts ants and promotes mold growth. This is where ladybugs prove their worth. By wiping out aphids, they stop them from damaging plants and break the cycle of honeydew buildup, cutting off the food source for ants and preventing mold infestations. The result? Healthier gardens and fewer pests.
The downside of insects: When they become a burden
Let’s be honest—not all insects are helpful pollinators, recyclers or pest controllers. Some are just… well, pests.
Ants march in like they own the place. Roaches scuttle across countertops, carrying bacteria in their wake. Moths destroy clothing and dry goods, turning your pantry and closet into all-you-can-eat buffets. Mosquitoes crash backyard barbecues, leaving behind itchy welts and the risk of disease. These unwelcome visitors don’t just test our patience—they pose real problems that require real solutions.
While many insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem, some require a little intervention to keep them in check. That’s where smart pest control solutions come in—helping us strike a balance between appreciating nature’s tiny workers and keeping the truly troublesome ones out of our living spaces.
What is the balancing act?
The challenge isn’t deciding whether insects belong in nature (they do); it's how to keep the troublemakers out of our homes without resorting to toxic chemicals.
"It’s not that I hate bugs. They just don’t belong in our homes. But toxic chemicals? Those I do hate. We have the means to kill bugs without risks to our health, and to that I'm devoted." —Dr. Killigan
The mission is simple: Pest control should protect both our well-being and nature’s balance.
- Bugs have a role to play. They help ecosystems thrive, but they don’t belong in our homes.
- The goal isn’t total extermination. The goal is about keeping pests where they belong: outside.
- Effective pest control is about balance. It's about eliminating invaders without harming beneficial insects or exposing our families to toxins.
That’s where Dr. Killigan’s comes in. We believe pest control should eliminate the problem—without putting your health at risk.
- Six Feet Under swiftly wipes out more than 50 insect species on contact—and keeps killing for up to 30 days.
- Dust to Dust creates a long-lasting barrier, stopping ants, roaches, ticks, fleas and more without synthetic pesticides.
- Pantry Moth Traps protect dry goods with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Cedar Planks naturally repel clothing moths, safeguarding wool, fur and leather year-round.
Smart pest control is about eliminating the pests that don’t belong—without harming the ones that do.
With Dr. Killigan’s, you don’t have to choose between a bug-free home and a toxin-free life. Our plant-powered solutions provide lasting protection without harsh chemicals—so you can eliminate pests without compromising your health, your home or the environment. Get the best of both worlds—[shop our non-toxic pest control solutions today].
