insects
Bloodsuckers, stings and bites – how to outsmart Britain's most irritating insects this summer
Britain's insect population surges in spring and summer, with humans often becoming unfortunate prey. Here is our guide to UK insects that bite or sting with tips on how to protect against bug bites.
Guide to British wasps: identify common species, lifecycles and discover why wasps sting
These stinging picnic pests don’t deserve our enmity and fear – they are impressive architects that belong to highly developed and complex societies – our expert guide to wasps looks at the common species, their lifecycle and why wasps sting.
Make your garden a wildlife paradise with the 20 best summer plants for bees and butterflies
Make your garden a haven for butterflies, bees and hoverflies with our guide to the best summer plants for pollinators.
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British butterfly guide: how to identify and the best places to spot
Britain is home to 59 species of butterfly, which all play an important role in pollination. In our expert guide, we take a look at butterfly identification, common butterfly species, how long butterflies live, and where to see them in the UK.
British beetle guide: where to see and how to identify these fascinating insects
From the striking rose chafer to the stag, beetles are a fascinating group of insects found widely throughout the UK. Here is our expert UK beetle species guide, which explains how to identify and best places to spot them.
How to look after your garden pond and wildlife to spot
A garden pond can provide a haven for wildlife, offering a valuable water source and place to cool off in the summer months. Here is our garden pond guide with tips on how to look after your pond, how to go pond dipping and wildlife to spot.
Ticks guide: how to prevent and treat tick bites
Learn to identify ticks with our expert tick guide, which includes information on how to avoid being bitten, best treatment for bites, plus what to look out for if you think you might have caught an infection. Also, we look at how to protect your dog from ticks.
Best insect spray: 6 eco friendly options
Keep biting bugs at bay with our pick of the best eco-friendly insect sprays
Best insect identification books
Want to get to know the bugs on your hikes a little better? Look no further than our selection of the best insect identification books.
Hunting for a rare butterfly in Rockingham Forest in Northamptonshire
The chequered skipper butterfly has recently been reintroduced by the Back from the Brink Project to a secret site in Northamptonshire. In episode 11, season 9 of the Countryfile podcast, we try to track it down
Make a moth trap
All you need for this simple moth trap are a few household materials and some patience.
British bee identification guide: best plants to attract bees to your garden
Our bee guide looks at how to identify the different types of bees, best plants to grow, and making a bee house. Plus, what to do if you see a struggling bee.
British insect guide: species to look out for, and why they're so interesting
We tend to think marvellous and exotic creatures can only be seen on nature documentaries in far-flung lands but, as our expert insect guide reveals, the UK has mini-beasts to rival the rest of the world. We just have to look for them...
Podcast: Take a hedgerow safari with TV naturalist Dr George McGavin
Discover the amazing lives of bees, flies and other invertebrates in a typical British hedgerow with the One Show's George McGavin in episode 12, season 5 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast
Guide to Britain's road verges: history, why they are important and threats
An abundant, wildlife-rich nature reserve larger than the Lake District – this could be the future for Britain’s roadside verges. As our handy guide to road verges explains, all we need to do is mow them at the right time.
Rare beetle rediscovered in Wales
For the first time in more than 75 years, the short-necked oil beetle, previously believed to be extinct in Wales, has been spotted in Pembrokeshire.
Best insect websites
Here is our pick of the best websites offering advice on how to identify different insect species, where to see and how to help insects.
How to make a pond-dipping net
Discover an underwater world of insects, fish and strange-looking amphibians with our simple guide to making a homemade pond fishing net.
How to identify freshwater pond wildlife
Discover the small creatures that live beneath the surface of Britain’s ponds with our freshwater pond identification guide.
Key insect pollinators of summer in the UK
Most of our native flowers rely on nectar-hungry insects in exchange for pollen redistribution. Honeybees and bumblebees often get the credit, but there are many more creatures doing this necessary work. Here is our expert guide on the key insect pollinators of summer in the UK.
John Craven: Climate change could create a new army of pests
The Countryfile presenter examines how climate change could affect Britain's crops
Adam Henson: Could insects be food of the future in Britain?
Are insects the food of the future in the UK? Farmer and Countryfile presenter Adam Henson heads to an enterprising farm in the Cumbrian countryside to find out more.
Common pesticides putting bumblebees at risk of extinction, finds research
Bumblebees are less able to start colonies when exposed to a common neonicotinoid pesticide – which is putting them at risk of extinction, according to new research.
How to have insect encounters close to home
From an urban park to a remote hillside, insects offer a fascinating insight into local wildlife habitats. Scope supporter Ellie May Forrester shares her tips on accessible insect encounters close to home.
