Why Insects Matter for Preppers
When thinking about survival and self-reliance, people often focus on food, water, and shelter. But there’s another important part of survival that many overlook—insects. Insects are more than just tiny creatures we see buzzing around. They help pollinate our crops, break down waste, and provide food for animals. Now, scientists say climate change is putting insects at risk. This can have a big impact on anyone who wants to live off the land or grow their own food.
How Climate Change Threatens Insects
As the world’s climate gets warmer, insects face many challenges. Their homes—called habitats—are changing fast. Some insect species can move to cooler places, but many cannot. If their homes become too hot or dry, they may not survive. When insects disappear, it affects the whole food chain. Birds, fish, and even some mammals may struggle to find food. Most importantly for preppers, fewer insects mean fewer pollinators for our gardens and crops.
What Happens If Insects Disappear?
Insects like bees and butterflies are crucial pollinators. Without them, many fruits and vegetables would not grow. This would make it much harder for preppers to grow enough food for themselves and their families. Insects also help by breaking down dead plants and animals, keeping the soil healthy.
Here’s what could happen if insect numbers keep going down:
- Lower food crop yields because of fewer pollinators
- Poorer soil health from less decomposition
- Loss of natural food chains, impacting wild game and fish
- More pests as natural predators disappear
Why Preppers Should Care
If you’re working toward a more self-sufficient lifestyle, you need healthy insect populations. They help your garden, your fruit trees, and even your chickens (who love eating bugs). A decline in insects means you may have to work harder just to get the same food, or you may face unexpected food shortages.
Practical Steps Preppers Can Take
The good news is, there are simple things you can do to help insects survive—and help your own prepping efforts at the same time. Here are some actionable tips for supporting insects and boosting your self-sufficiency:
- Plant native flowers and trees—these attract local pollinators and give them food all year round.
- Avoid or reduce pesticide use in your garden. Many chemicals harm good insects as well as pests.
- Build insect hotels or leave small “wild” areas in your yard. Piles of sticks or rocks make good homes for helpful bugs.
- Rotate crops and use companion planting to attract beneficial insects and control pests naturally.
- Set up water sources like shallow dishes with rocks for bees and butterflies to drink from.
- Join citizen science projects—reporting what bugs you see helps scientists understand how populations are changing, and it helps you learn which insects visit your land.
Preparing for a World with Fewer Insects
While we should try to protect insect populations, preppers should also be ready for possible declines. Here are some ways to adapt your survival plans:
- Learn to hand-pollinate vegetables like squash and tomatoes if bees become rare.
- Save and share seeds from plants that do well with little pollination.
- Raise chickens or ducks to help control pests if natural bug predators disappear.
- Compost food scraps and yard waste to keep soil healthy, even without as many decomposer insects.
Building a Sustainable, Self-Reliant Homestead
Remember, every small action helps. By supporting insects, you’re also supporting your family’s food security and your own survival. Healthy insect populations mean better gardens, healthier soil, and more reliable food sources. Even if you live in a city, you can help by planting flowers on your balcony or joining local garden projects.
Final Thoughts: Stay Aware and Take Action
Climate change is a big challenge, but it’s not hopeless. As preppers, our goal is to be ready for anything. By learning about insects and taking simple steps to protect them, you can make your homestead stronger and more resilient. Preparedness means thinking about the whole system—people, plants, animals, and insects. Start today, and you’ll be better prepared for whatever comes tomorrow.
