Insects as Healers

Insects as Healers — page 1 — Can Bugs Make This Better Insects those six-legged antennae-waving creepy crawlers are all pests right Not so fast Though insects can seem scream-worthy enough to run for the spray pesticide hold the can 4

Insects as Healers — page 2 — Insects are helping humans in many ways Whether in adult form like bees beetles or wasps or the immature forms of larvae or worms they can do wonders They can be used to heal give clues at crime scenes sniff out explosives and keep destructive pests from eating crops They have so many special properties they offer endless opportunities for scientists to ask Can bugs make this better 5

Insects as Healers — page 3 — The Buzz on Bees Did you know that honeybees gather more than nectar They also collect tree resin a sticky substance they bring back to the hive Bees chew it and add beeswax then coat the inside of their hive or shore up their honeycomb with it Harvesters call it propolis or bee glue A honeybee strengthens the honeycomb with propolis 6

Insects as Healers — page 4 — Propolis Propolis has been used as medicine for several thousand years It combats viral infections like those that cause the flu and common cold and immune diseases Sometimes people put propolis directly on skin to clean and heal wounds or treat minor burns Bees sip nectar digest it a little and then pass it by mouth from bee to bee The last bee vomits the liquid into the honeycomb Their beating wings thicken it into honey Beeswax seals it in 7

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