Value of Insect Services in U.S. Tops $57 Billion Annually

Environment News Service, April, 2006

ITHACA, New York (ENS) — --> Think twice before you swat, stomp, curse or ignore insects, says Cornell University entomologist John Losey.

His research, published in the current issue of the journal "BioScience" shows that the dollar value of just four services provided by insects is worth more than $57 billion in the United States each year.

"Most insects tirelessly perform functions that improve our environment and lives in ways that scientists are only beginning to understand," Losey says. "Don't let the insects' small stature fool you - these minute marvels provide valuable services."

The study found that native insects are food for wildlife that supports a $50 billion recreation industry, provide more than $4.5 billion in pest control, pollinate $3...

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