On the fly: Insects play key role in environmental and human life

The next time you hear someone grumbling about insects causing a nuisance ask them to think again. We rely on insects for many things that go unseen

Up to one-third of our insect species are extinction-threatened due to pollution, intensive farming and habitat loss. Pictures: iStock

Everybody seems to be complaining about huge numbers of pesky insects, seen and felt day and night, during the heatwave.

Midges, fleas, ants, dragonflies and bees seem to be having a mighty time of it in the warm weather. All have important roles to play in human and environmental life: the next time you hear someone grumbling about insects causing a nuisance ask them to think again.