Perfect for young children studying living things and their habitats in their science lessons, or for young minibeast fans, this book explores insect helpers and pests. We need insects to survive - for pollination - and many are essential for pest control. But insects can be trouble, spreading disease or eating crops. Then there are the ‘useful’ insects - that make silk or shellac, or for dyes and wax. Insect design is also an inspiration to inventors and researchers, such as those inspired by the strength of spider webs to unlock other strong materials, or investigate how mealworms are able to eat plastic. Alongside the simple text, fantastic close-up photographs show the insects at work.

The book is part of a series, The Insects that Run Our World, for children aged 6 plus. The titles are: The Pollinators, The Decomposers, The Predators and the Prey and The Helpers and the Pests.The books include information about how insects are threatened by habitat changes and pollution and how we can help them.