Insects are small, but without them the planet would stop working. We often see them as a nuisance, yet they do jobs we all depend on: they pollinate, keep the soil alive and feed countless animals. On our farm in Lanzarote we see it every day.
1. They pollinate much of what we eat
While looking for nectar, bees, butterflies, flies and beetles carry pollen from one flower to another. That is how plants are fertilised and produce fruit and seeds. According to the FAO, around three quarters of the world’s food crop types benefit, at least in part, from pollination by animals, mainly insects. Without them, many fruits, vegetables and nuts would be scarcer and more expensive.
2. They keep the soil alive
The larvae of many beetles and flies, as well as ants, feed on leaves, wood and animal remains. By breaking them down they return nutrients to the soil, and their tunnels let air in. Together with earthworms (which are not insects, but do a similar job), they keep the soil fertile so plants can grow.
3. They are food for many other animals
Birds, lizards, fish and other insects feed on them. If insects disappear, the whole food chain suffers. Hundreds of birds live on our farm, and that is largely because they find insects to eat here.
What happens if there are fewer and fewer insects?
For years, many studies have recorded a decline in insect populations, mainly because of pesticides, habitat loss, artificial light and climate change. Fewer insects means less pollination, poorer soils and less food for the animals that depend on them. That is why it is worth protecting them, in gardens, vegetable patches and on terraces too.
What we do on our farm
At CabanaLanz we don’t use pesticides, we are planting Canary Island species that attract bees and butterflies, and we use no chemical fertilisers in our organic vegetable gardens. We tell you more in How to protect insects. And if you’d like to see it up close, you can stay in one of our three cabins, among hundreds of trees and birds, 10 minutes from the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Why are insects so important?
Because they pollinate plants, break down the organic matter that fertilises the soil and are food for birds and other animals. Without them, the balance of the ecosystem breaks down.
What can I do to help them?
Avoiding pesticides, planting native species and reducing artificial light at night are three simple steps. You’ll find more ideas in How to protect insects.
Keep reading
More guides to plan your trip to Lanzarote.
