Do “creepy” bugs really deserve their reputation? The short answer is no. The long answer is that many insects we humans consider “creepy” aren't even harmful to us and are actually beneficial.
House spiders are often squished before they get the chance to prove themselves helpful. Instead, we humans should be giving these creatures a break. By spinning webs in desolate corners of your house, many other pests (like ants or mosquitoes) are often turned into the spider’s meal before they have an opportunity to annoy you.
Next time these little arachnids crawl into your house, let them live, and they’ll earn their keep. To learn more, check out Spiders by Ruth Owen.
Another multi-legged insect that typically receives a bad reputation is the centipede. Inside the home, centipedes are similar to spiders in their pest reduction. They eat cockroaches, silverfish, and ants. But, they also eat spiders!
Outside, centipedes are often responsible for seed dispersal and can even protect certain plants from herbivores. To try and overcome your fear, check out Crawling Centipedes by Theresa Emminizer on Hoopla.
Some people are disgusted by caterpillars, even though most end up becoming butterflies. Their pre-flight form can be fuzzy, furry, patterned, and often squishy. Besides their eventual turn into the beautiful butterflies that grace our skies, their pollinator habits benefit us, humans.
Caterpillars by Chris Earley will teach you how to witness the cycle of life from home.
Earthworms are the wiggly, sometimes-forgotten part of the ecosystem that has a “gross” reputation among us humans. They are essential to provide aeration and increased water infiltration. Earthworms also assist in decomposition and serve as a protein source for many other animals.
Let's Look at Earthworms by Suzanne Dell'Oro gives you a close-up look at these amazing organisms.
Overall, some bugs may look “creepy”, but they are essential parts of our ecosystem. So next time, give the little guys a chance. Check out more books about bugs here!
Learn and have fun with your favorite creepy crawlies and busy buzzies. Whether you're already a bug lover or merely bug-curious, this list features wacky stories, colorful pictures, and jaw-dropping facts perfect for budding entomologists.
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