The seven-ladybird (nannakola tas-seba’ tikek in Maltese) is the most common ladybird in Europe.

In Malta it is a well-known insect but it is not so common. Elderly people say that when they were young, it was much more common than it is today, but it is difficult to determine whether it has decreased and by how much.

Records show that about a 100 years ago, it was a regular spring migrant that arrived in sufficient numbers to control the number of aphids infesting agricultural crops. If the ladybirds arrived later than usual, there used to be fewer green beans at the market.

When farmers started using pesticides to control aphids and stopped relying on the ladybirds and other biological pest controllers, they indentured themselves to an unsustainable system.

The authorities convinced them that the new pesticides would miraculously free them of all pests, that they would have to work less and that their production would increase so much that they would finally become rich. This was too good to be true.

After more than half a century of intensive spraying, it is difficult – but possible – for farmers to stop using pesticides

After a couple of years, they discovered that instead of getting rid of pests, they had to cope with even more pests than before. They had to use ever-increasing amounts of pesticides which were harming their health and the environment. Pesticides were becoming more expensive and instead of becoming richer, farmers became poorer.

After more than half a century of intensive spraying, it is difficult – but possible – for farmers to stop using pesticides. The soils are contaminated with poisons, and the biodiversity of their lands, which is important for biological control, has been destroyed.

Changing to more nature-friendly agriculture would result in more ladybirds and other beneficial insects in our countryside, as well as healthier food and a safer environment.

portelli.paul@gmail.com