Bugs: just the word itself could make your skin crawl. The bothersome pests can be found in our homes, by our food and virtually anywhere outdoors. What better way to spend one’s summer than to make a game out of murdering bugs?
People will use shoes, books and just about anything else to squash those who invade their space, then brag to their friends and family about their “accomplishment” of eliminating a bug that would not stay put. Even worse, some children find it fun to go out of their way to stomp on anthills or annihilate innocent creatures on the sidewalk.
Society has certainly become desensitized to the lives of these inferior creatures. While bugs are not the most ideal beings to keep company with, killing them should not be by any means acceptable. Whether it’s for the sense of power one gets after ending a life or ignoring the fact that most bugs we encounter are harmless, by killing a bug, you are taking away its single chance at life.
The world would be better off if humans did not limitlessly execute bugs for a number of reasons. First, many animals rely on insects for their survival. These species include birds, frogs and lizards—to name a few. Whenever one mercilessly kills a bug, they take away another’s meal. If an insect’s life must come to an end, at least let it serve a purpose.
Second, the use of bug sprays and pesticides can be detrimental to the environment. The harmful chemicals come in extremely close contact with produce and washing off one’s fruits and vegetables may not be enough to remove the pesticides that were utilized to keep the “harmful” bugs away. These chemicals can also easily get into water sources and may harm or kill fish and other living beings. Releasing large amounts of poisons into the ecosystem to keep a few pesky bugs away is not worth these consequences.
Many bugs are also directly beneficial to human life. Bumblebees have become well-respected and well-regarded insects in today’s society due to how they pollinate plants. After all, they are the main pollinators of the world. Certain types of ants, flies and beetles pollinate flowers as well.
Yet another reason to spare certain bugs’ lives is that several harmless insects kill the harmful bugs. If the massacre of beneficial insects continues, the world will be infested with harmful bugs. If society really hates bugs, they should leave the good ones alone to take care of the undesirable ones.
Humans should also consider this idea: we are in “bug territory.” Bugs have been around for 300 million years and have kindly caused no trouble in our inhabitation. Humans have destroyed a substantial amount of the environment and yet, we (usually) do not have to fear death every time they go outside. Bugs, unfortunately, are threatened whenever they come into contact with humans. It does not seem fair to cause such harm to creatures that do not pose a threat to us.
Though it’s easier said than done, life would be a lot more mellow if people stopped fearing insects. Too many individuals go into a panic whenever a fly buzzes past them. Insects are most likely just as scared of humans, who are notably larger than them.
Instead of eliminating a bug that’s invaded one’s space, try catching the bug and setting it free outside. Don’t harm any bugs minding their own business outdoors. Next time you come in contact with one, try not to “bug” them—you’ll have a clearer conscience if you do.
Aliyha Gill is an English and psychology double major junior who values bugs’ lives even though she is terrified of them.