"Where Have All the Insects Gone?" A Call to Action

I attended a powerful presentation of the Orcas Island Garden Club by renowned entomologist Linda Gilkeson titled "Where Have All the Insects Gone?" Her words resonated deeply, underscoring an alarming yet urgent call to action: the rapid decline of insect populations worldwide, and the critical role we play in fostering ecosystems to support native pollinators and insects in our local San Juan Island bioregion.

The Silent Crisis of Insect Decline

Gilkeson began her talk with sobering statistics: insect populations globally have plummeted by as much as 75% in some regions over the last few decades. This decline, often referred to as the "insect apocalypse," is driven by habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and pollution. The implications of this are profound. Insects are the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems, responsible for pollinating crops, breaking down organic matter, and serving as the primary food source for countless species.

Douglas aster planted in companion with Goldenrod will promote more insects than when planted alone.

But Gilkeson didn’t stop at the grim realities; she also illuminated how these trends are playing out locally in the San Juan Islands. These biodiverse ecosystems, known for their temperate climate and unique flora and fauna, are not immune to the pressures that have devastated insect populations elsewhere. Despite the pristine appearance of our islands, the fragmentation of habitats, invasive species, and human activities are taking their toll.

Lawns become desserts for foraging insects. Grass offers no nectar and doesn't support any stage of an insect's life cycle.

Why Native Pollinators and Insects Matter

Insects, especially native pollinators like bumblebees, moths, hover flies, and butterflies, are integral to the health of our ecosystems. Many of our native plants rely exclusively on these pollinators for reproduction. In symbiotic relationship, many of the pollinators rely on a very few species of plants to support their reproductive cycles. Beyond wild flora, native pollinators also play a crucial role in supporting agriculture, particularly in small-scale and organic farming systems common in our region.

Without healthy insect populations, entire ecosystems can unravel. Birds, amphibians, and mammals lose vital food sources, plant reproduction falters, and nutrient cycles become disrupted. I love listening to Linda speak because she brings supportive data to the conversations. On my way home, I stopped by the library to check out a book by Douglas Tallamy so I can read deeper into some of the information she brought forward. May we always have opportunities to learn more about the natural relationships between flora and fauna.

Steps to Create Ecosystems for Insects

The silver lining of this daunting presentation was her roadmap for action. She emphasized that even small changes can have a significant impact when adopted widely. Here are key steps we can take to support native pollinators and insects, the most accessible of which is to plant native species of trees, shrubs, and flowers:

1. Plant Native Vegetation

Native plants provide the specific resources that native pollinators and insects need. Impacts of urbanization mean that there are less native plants available to sustain insect populations. Incorporate plants like Goldenrod, Sea Blush, Salal, Nootka rose, Red-flowering currant, and Douglas aster into your garden. Avoid hybridized or exotic species that may not offer the nectar or pollen insects rely on. Remember that insects have evolved with the native flora, not the ornamental hybrids and landscaping plants. Flowers are lovely and have nectar that supports a wide variety of adult insects. But making sure that there are the right plants in the ecosystem for all stages of insect life are critical. Having many and nurtured adult insects means very little if they don't have the species of plant their larvae feed on when they hatch or the tree bark that they require to protect their eggs overwinter. Aiming for at least 50% native plants is an ideal way to support insect populations. Planting in groupings and aiming for at least eight blooms at all times throughout the year so that foragers have options. Insects with different mouth types are suited to different shapes of flowers. And this can be done in your own yard, replacing just a little bit of lawn each year to create a diverse ecosystem.

2. Create Habitat

Insects need more than flowers to thrive. Provide nesting sites by leaving patches of bare soil, dead wood, and undisturbed grass. Avoid overly manicured gardens; embrace a little wildness. Non-native plants and shrubs rarely benefit insects or support their life cycles. Use them as you would a garden statue but know that they contribute little to a vibrant ecosystem. Leaving plants through all their stages of growth and decay lets insects, cocoons, and eggs lay dormant in the soft pithy stalks. Waiting until the soil temperature is above 55* gives all the flies, bees, and butterflies an opportunity to emerge from their resting places. Getting in the garden too soon can harm them inadvertently. Many of our native bees and wasps rest in burrows underground. Walking in the garden beds can compact their tunnels, so always be mindful of garden paths, even when it looks like nothing is growing in the soil.

3. Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides, even organic ones, can harm beneficial insects. Instead, practice integrated pest management and focus on creating a balanced ecosystem where predators like ladybugs and lacewings keep pests in check. There are very few actual pests in the garden. Even aphids support healthy soil by dropping their honeydew to the ground and drawing nutrients up from deep in the soil.

Caterpillars are a primary source of carotenoids for young birds. Nests of chickadees can consume up to 9,000 before fledging.

A Vision for the Future

The San Juan Islands are uniquely positioned to become a haven for native pollinators and insects. By prioritizing habitat restoration, reducing harmful practices, and embracing a shared responsibility for our ecosystems, we can help reverse the decline.

So, as we stand at this crossroads, let’s remember: the future of our local biodiversity is in our hands. Every plant we grow, every pesticide we forgo, and every patch of habitat we restore is a step toward ensuring that the hum of bees, the flutter of butterflies, and the myriad other wonders of the insect world remain part of the fabric of life on our islands.

What will you do today to support our pollinators and insects?