You may not think twice about squashing a bug in your bathroom or spraying your balcony with insecticides. For many, these tiny critters are more than a nuisance — they trigger a deep-rooted fear within them. However, insects are critical in breaking down organic matter, pollinating plants and safeguarding food webs, especially in urban ecosystems. Because of these, there is growing interest in creating nature-based solutions to address the problem. 

The Essential Roles of Insects in Urban Ecosystems

Urban areas have insects to thank for many things, from addressing the waste problem to enhancing plant diversity and resilience. Here are three essential roles insects play in cities:

1. Biodiversity Boosters

Entomologists from Washington State University recently suggested the United States could see a 60% to 70% decline in honey bee colonies in 2025. This is dire for metropolitan areas reliant on pollinators for food production and maintaining healthy green spaces.

Overall, insects boost biodiversity and bolster ecosystem resilience. They enable the growth of flowering plants and crops in community gardens and parks. Butterflies are also crucial pollinators, and their presence assists a thriving natural habitat.

2. Urban Waste Managers

If you’ve ever left crumbs or old fruit on the counter, ants and gnats likely found their way to it. The easiest method to prevent bugs is to remove their food source from the start. Insects are masters at breaking down organic waste.

For instance, mites, worms, millipedes and pill bugs help decompose and aerate compost, while feather-winged beetles regulate their numbers. Insects, like isopods and black soldier flies, aid healthy bacteria and increase the nutrient content.

Because of this efficiency, insects help divert landfill waste and greenhouse gases. In one study, researchers found some created nutrient-rich frass fertilizers that outperformed conventional varieties, making them especially conducive to agriculture.

3. Pest Control Agents

If your exterminator is on speed dial, you’ll be happy to know some insects are excellent pest control agents. For example, ladybugs eat soft-bodied insects like aphids, including eggs and larvae. Soldier beetles, lacewings and flower flies are also valuable to have around.

While you may be terrified of spiders and wasps, they do an excellent job keeping pests at bay around your home. As predators, wasps often target various nuisance insects. One study even suggested a single colony ate 2.12 pounds of insects per 2.47 acres.

Threats to Urban Insect Populations 

Insects cope with the dual threats of urbanization and climate change. Research shows thermal fluctuations dramatically increase extinction rates for several insect species. While some can adapt to warmer temperatures, others will struggle under heat stress.

Rapid urban development has also replaced natural areas with infrastructure that impedes essential habitats. Green spaces are fragmented and prevent insects from moving freely and accessing resources.

Urban areas also have a much higher volume of pollution, including air, water and light, which decreases survivability. Pesticides and fertilizers harm non-target beneficial bugs, while city lights can disrupt behaviors, like foraging and mating.

How Cities Can Support Their Cleanup Crews

Because insects provide so many essential services — from decomposition to nutrient cycling — city officials are eager to support conservation efforts to ensure the vitality of urban ecosystems. This often includes installing green roofs, creating new habitats and preserving green spaces. Pollution reduction initiatives are also critical to boosting insect populations.

City officials should consider using native plants that have already adapted to each area and attract local species, including bees and butterflies. For example, urban areas in Florida might plant firebush, beach sunflowers, elderberry and black-eyed Susans to provide pollinators with nesting sites, materials and food.

In addition to supplying vegetation, rooftop gardens reduce the urban heat island effect. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says green roofs may be 56 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than typical rooftops, decreasing ambient temperatures by 20 degrees F. They also lower building cooling loads by 70%, which improves energy efficiency and offsets carbon outputs.

What Can You Do to Help?

You can take similar measures to help insects flourish in your area. Plant native shrubs, flowers and trees in your backyard or balcony, while avoiding harmful chemicals that may eliminate the beneficial bugs.

You can also intentionally create insect habitats, such as a butterfly garden or insect house. These spaces provide a safe nesting area or shelter. Other ways to make a difference include supporting and advocating for community gardens and more green spaces, or joining citizen science projects to monitor and collect data on bug populations, which is invaluable for research purposes.

Embracing Insects for a Sustainable Urban Future

Insects might send shivers down your spine, but they are crucial for a sustainable future. Urban areas, in particular, can benefit significantly from these creepy crawlers. Rather than stomp on every bug you see, embrace them in your yard and advocate for their protection.