Alarming Bug Splat Decline on UK Cars: A Warning Sign for Insect Populations

The decline in bees in the UK and the across the world is well known but perhaps less well known is that the decline of other insects in the UK has become a growing environmental concern with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity.

When I was a kid inevitably a long drive meant that your car windshield was covered in bugs. As the years went on, as these things tend to happen slowly I never gave it another thought but it turns out with each trip on average less and less bugs are getting splatted as the populations of insects decline dramatically.

(You may also be aware of the decline in UK bird populations which have also seen huge declines since my birth in 1969 with an estimated loss of approximately 73 million breeding birds – representing a reduction from about 232 million individuals in 1970 to around 159 million today per the British Trust for Ornithology)

Key Data on Insect Decline in the UK

• Flying Insects: The “Bugs Matter” survey indicates a 78% decrease in flying insect abundance on vehicle number plates since 2004, with England experiencing an 83% drop.

• Pollinators: Between 1980 and 2022, the distribution of 394 UK pollinator species (including bees and hoverflies) decreased by 24%. JNCC

• Bumblebees: In 2024, bumblebee numbers fell to their lowest on record, with populations dropping nearly 25% compared to the 2010–2023 average. The Guardian

• Butterflies and Moths: 80% of UK butterfly species have decreased in abundance or diversity since the 1970s, and 41% of moth species have declined between 1968 and 2017. UK Parliament

Causes of Insect Decline

1. Habitat Loss: Urbanization, intensive farming, and infrastructure development have reduced and fragmented the habitats where insects thrive.

2. Pesticides and Chemicals: Neonicotinoids and other agrochemicals have been linked to declines in bee populations by disrupting their navigation, foraging, and reproduction.

3. Climate Change: Altered weather patterns and temperatures affect insect life cycles, flowering times of plants, and the availability of food.

4. Pollution: Air, water, and light pollution all interfere with insect behavior and health.

5. Invasive Species and Diseases: Non-native species and emerging pathogens (like Varroa mites in honeybees) have devastated some insect populations.

Repercussions of the Decline

1. Pollination Crisis: Bees and other pollinators are essential for the pollination of many fruits, vegetables, and wild plants. A decline reduces crop yields and threatens food security.

2. Biodiversity Loss: Insects play a foundational role in ecosystems—as pollinators, decomposers, and food sources for birds and mammals. Their decline cascades through food webs.

3. Economic Impact: The UK economy relies on natural pollination services estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds annually. Declines increase reliance on expensive artificial pollination methods.

4. Soil and Water Health: Insects like beetles and earthworms contribute to soil aeration and decomposition. Fewer insects can degrade soil quality and disrupt nutrient cycling.

Steps Toward Recovery

• Promoting Insect-Friendly Farming: Adopting agroecological practices and reducing pesticide use can create safer environments for insects.

• Habitat Restoration: Reintroducing wildflower meadows and planting pollinator-friendly plants in urban and rural areas can provide essential resources for insects.

• Policy and Research Support: Funding research and conservation programs focused on insect populations is crucial for informed decision-making and effective interventions.

• Public Engagement: Encouraging citizen science initiatives and raising awareness can help monitor insect populations and promote conservation efforts.

The decline in insect populations is a pressing issue with far-reaching implications. Addressing it requires coordinated efforts across policy, science, agriculture, and public engagement to ensure the health of ecosystems and food security.

Let’s hope that we have more bug splats in the future though with current trends this is unfortunately wishful thinking.