As individuals, there are several ways we can protect insect diversity and help prevent further declines in their populations. First, to make habitats more bug-friendly, entomologists recommend these actions:

• Reducing the use of pesticides

While pesticides are sometimes needed, for example to control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, extensive pesticide use can harm more than the target species, and may lead to pesticide resistance. Pesticides can remain effective in the environment for a long time, so they can travel far from the place of application, threatening arthropod populations in wide areas. Non-chemical interventions like window screens and removing potential pest breeding sites can be used instead.

• Preventing runoff containing household cleaning products

Household detergents like car wash soap can make their way into waterways, where they degrade and transform, producing compounds which can poison aquatic insects. Biodegradable detergents can be used as an alternative. 

• Reducing outdoor lighting

As most nocturnal insects are attracted to light, light sources easily become death traps for nocturnal insects, which die from exhaustion or are eaten by predators while they swarm around lights. Light pollution can also disrupt insect behaviour and communication. Reducing or dimming outdoor lights is likely to help local nocturnal insect populations. 

• Maintaining friendlier gardens

In grassy areas, leaving sections to grow undisturbed allows a more spatially diverse habitat to form, providing more space and resources for insects to use, while reducing the cost of maintaining manicured lawns. Growing native plant species can also benefit insects and the wider ecosystem.

Besides these, another important method to helping insect populations involves advocating for them:

• Negative perceptions of insects are still widespread, while recognition of the importance of insects may not be high. Talking to others about insects to foster an appreciation for them helps create interest in their protection. 
• Sharing macro photos may also achieve this, as they illuminate the often striking visual details on insects. 
• Participating in citizen science projects, such as the annual City Nature Challenge and uploading photo observations to iNaturalist can be an engaging way to learn more about insects while contributing to scientific efforts.
• Finally, reaching out to local councils and political leaders to advocate for insect-friendly practices and policies is another potential step to take.