Why are flying insect numbers declining in the UK?

Flying insect numbers are declining due to factors including climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss, as indicated by a recent UK survey.

What is the Bugs Matter survey?

The Bugs Matter survey monitors the abundance of flying insects across the UK by counting 'splats' on vehicle number plates to gauge environmental health.

How has COP30 addressed insect decline?

COP30, the UN climate conference, has been discussing priority actions to tackle climate change, a key driver of insect decline.

Home / Environment / Insect Numbers Plummet: UK Sees 59% Decline in Five Years

Insect Numbers Plummet: UK Sees 59% Decline in Five Years

19 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

Flying insect numbers on UK vehicle plates fell by 59% in five years.
Hot summer weather did not boost insect numbers as expected.
Sharpest declines were recorded in England and Scotland.

Insect Numbers Plummet: UK Sees 59% Decline in Five Years

A recent survey reveals a stark 59% decrease in flying insects sampled on UK vehicle number plates over the past five years, raising significant environmental concerns. The data from 2025 indicates that even unusually hot and sunny weather did not provide a boost to insect populations, highlighting a worrying trend of decline.

Experts warn that this sharp fall, particularly pronounced in England with a 60% decrease and Scotland with 59%, is a critical indicator of nature's declining health. This trend is mirrored across Wales (55%) and Northern Ireland (56%), with the Republic of Ireland providing new baseline data comparable to other surveyed areas.

The consequences of such drastic insect loss are potentially catastrophic, impacting pollination, pest control, and food chains. Urgent action is needed to address threats like pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change to restore ecological balance.