Good Bugs

These creative critters offer help to humans in a variety of ways.

- By Michael D'Angona, Photography by Sumiko Scott/Getty Images

Sometimes, the tiniest creatures on the planet can cause the most trouble.

Insects have long been associated with biting, stinging, burning pain and all-around "creepiness" by many people over hundreds and even thousands of years. The bad bugs' thirst for tasty, tender human flesh has caused many people to stay inside their homes and forego the pure enjoyment of experiencing nature in the field, immersed in all its greatness.

However, these problem insects, such as mosquitoes, biting flies, blood-sucking ticks and stinging fire ants, have taken the spotlight - or, more appropriately, the negative press - and grouped the entire kingdom of insects as “pests" that should be eliminated at all costs.

But this isn't even close to true. In fact, most insects are beneficial in a variety of aspects, from pollinating plants and eating destructive or dangerous insect species to helping in the creation of medicines and pharmaceuticals, creating textiles, wax, honey and so much more.

Most people are more familiar with "bad" bugs such as mosquitoes and biting fire ants. Photo: Bigstock

Here, we'll take a closer look at these tiny helpers and perhaps offer a perspective that few people would seldom admit that there are good bugs out there, and their efforts interact with humans beneficially nearly every day.

A BAD REPUTATION