Rebugging the Planet: The Remarkable Things that Insects (and Other Invertebrates) Do—And Why We Need to Love Them More

Environmental campaigner Hird (Perfectly Safe to Eat?) outlines the alarming rate of decline among invertebrate populations and suggests a slew of actions average citizens can take to help protect them—a restorative movement she calls “rebugging.” Bee, butterfly, ant, and beetle populations are increasingly at risk, she writes—and rebugging, a version of rewilding specific to the critters, can be done “almost anywhere.” She starts with a primer on bug benefits—the creatures turn waste into fertilizer, pollinate plants, and control pests—then provides a multitude of ways people with no expertise can contribute to reversing the demise of bugs. People should first reframe their attitudes toward insects (to recognize their beauty and sentience), and can set up bug havens in their gardens, eat pesticide-free food, support local charities to grow bug-friendly plants, and talk to local garden centers about their efforts to promote chemical-free gardening. Most important, Hird writes, is lobbying politicians to effect protective legislation: “Keep bugging them. Always. For the bugs,” she pleads. Though serious entomologists may find this too lighthearted, lay readers will enjoy the compendium of ways to get involved. Brimming with tips and tools, this is sure to leave nature-lovers inspired. (Sept.)