For the organic farmer or gardener, living with insects generally outweighs the consequences of living without them. So, before you eradicate these often uninvited guests, try to determine why these nomadic dwarfs have picked your geographical location to hang out. If you look, watch, and listen, you can learn a lot from these little creatures and might find out they are not only a productive contributor to your local ecology, but a necessary component of your personal environment. Insects pollinate; fertilize; provide free bug population control; attract birds; and feed birds, poultry, livestock and other insects. They aerate the soil and help with the composting process. They produce honey, wax, silk, and other valuable products. They provide color, beauty, and free entertainment for your outdoor pleasure. They help train humans and animals to respect other creature's spaces. They are often very effective teachers of the negative consequences that can accompany disobedience or foolish jesting. Yes, insects have a special place in our world. The reality is insects, bugs and creepy crawlies are here to stay so we all need to learn how to get along with the nice ones and take dominion over the bad ones.

On the Mount N Ranch, we are very thankful for friendly insects and actively solicit their help in controlling their unfriendly counterparts. Dealing with insects is just one of those times when we have to determine to rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.