"A CRC title, part of the Taylor & Francis imprint, a member of the Taylor & Francis Group, the academic division of T & F Informa plc." Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction. -- History of Human Interactions with Insects. -- Insect Ecology/What Attributes Make Insects Successful. -- Changes in Insect Abundance and Distribution. -- Insect Effects on Humans, Resources and Ecosystem Services. -- Effects of Anthropogenic Activity and "Management" on Insect Roles. -- Value of Insect Services. -- Conservation and Sustainability. Conclusions and Recommendations. -- Bibliography. Although some effects of various insects will continue to be viewed as undesirable, the idea that insects should, or can, be "managed," this book explores reasons that may be unrealistic. It explores an approach to suppressing insect populations, considers information on the multiple, often compensatory, effects of insects on particular resources or ecosystem services and on the consequences of control tactics on those resources or services. It emphasize critical effects of insects on the sustainability of ecosystem processes and services and recommend changes in our management practices and policies to promote sustainability. -- Publisher.