Swapping pesticides for beetles could put money in farmers' pockets

Combining insect sampling and household surveys, our research found significant economic benefits arising from ladybird beetles (for insect geeks, there are three main species: Harmonia axyridis, Propylea japonica, and Coccinella septempunctata). We’ve calculated that each adult bug provides services worth $0.01 per year, even alongside substantial insecticide use.

Photo credit: Scott Bauer/USDA