| Unfortunately, insects seem to have developed a reputation as being nothing more than disgusting and squishable annoyances. Insects are, however, vital to the survival of all forests. In abnormally large numbers, a few species can become "pests", but even these unusual occurrences can be part of a natural forest. Normally, there are enough predators to keep the pest populations within their limits. |
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In addition
to the countless indirect ways in which insects are important to us, there are also more immediate benefits. Honey and wax are two very
well-known products that come from insects. The honey and wax produced by domestic bees each year is worth hundreds of millions
of dollars. The value of the crops that are pollinated by bees are worth 50 times this amount.
Bees are some of the most beneficial insects, but are killed by pesticides meant for other species. Photo by Maya Walters |
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