1. Plant native species in your garden or balcony<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Insects in our area have adapted to native plants over millions of years. As a result, native plants are often more beneficial<\/strong> for local insects than exotics. In addition, native plants generally require less maintenance<\/strong>because they are adapted to the climate of our region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try to include a variety of species to benefit different insect species. In addition, ensure that there are species in bloom from spring through to autumn to provide continuous food<\/strong> to pollinators.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Leave \"neglected\" areas, e.g. at the edges of the garden, avoiding the cleaning of dried leaves, twigs <\/strong>and fallen fruit.<\/strong> Immobile stages, such as eggs and pupae, can be removed when clearing vegetation, so it is advisable to delay this task until well into spring or summer, when pollinators have already emerged from their nests or hibernation. In addition, you can provide bare ground areas, insect hotels <\/strong>and pieces of wood<\/strong> for some species to build their nests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not use pesticides<\/a> of any kind to improve the appearance of your garden. It is not only insecticides that are harmful<\/strong> for insects. Studies have shown that other chemicals, such as fungicides and herbicides<\/a>can also be harmful for insects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before purchasing new plants for your garden, ask if they have been treated with pesticides. Even those labelled \"pollinator-attractive\" may contain insecticide residues. You can opt to buy seeds<\/strong> instead of adult plants to avoid these compounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organic farming aims to produce food using natural substances and processes. This type of agriculture is more environmentally friendly. On average, organic farming has been found to increase between 34 % and 50 % the amount of species diversity,<\/strong> especially benefiting plants and bees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many insects are attracted by light<\/a>and artificial light sources can disorientate them, exhaust them and make them more vulnerable to predators, among other negative effects<\/a>. If you need outdoor lighting, you can use motion sensor lights<\/strong> and choose light bulbs of orange light <\/strong>or red,<\/strong> which attract fewer insects. Also, avoid UV light traps for insects, as they eliminate insects of non-harmful species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is estimated that there may be 5.5 million insect species worldwide, but only about one million have been described. Moreover, we still have little information about many of them. There are numerous citizen science projects you can help by<\/a> providing insect sightings<\/strong> to find out important aspects such as their geographical distribution, the dates they fly and the species they feed on. iNaturalist<\/a> <\/strong>and Observation.org<\/a><\/strong> are two of the largest citizen science platforms, where you can contribute to research on insects and biodiversity in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cleaning products used, for example, to clean vehicles, often contain pollutants that can reach water sources, affecting aquatic insects. To reduce their impact, opt for biodegradable soaps,<\/strong>which are more environmentally friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Infograf\u00eda](\"https:\/\/bombinatura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/infografiaaccionessinlogo-1.jpg?w=417\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Create wild areas in your garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Abeja](\"https:\/\/bombinatura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/andrenaclarkellapage-edited.jpg\")
3. Avoid using pesticides in your garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4.<\/strong> Buy organic food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Limit the use of artificial light in outdoor areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Join citizen science projects on insects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ejemplar](\"https:\/\/bombinatura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/dsc01506-edited-2.jpg\")
7. Minimise the use of outdoor cleaning products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Communicate the importance of insect conservation to others<\/h2>\n\n\n\n