My army of groundskeepers eliminate most of the insect pests shortly after their arrival on my property, and there are practical methods of control for the few pests that remain. I encourage birds, beetles, snakes, wasps, and some underground helpers, too. Between them, they can almost do it all. The total eradication of any one organism defeats nature's balance. Only 1 percent of the world's insects are listed as pests of agriculture.
Insects are vital to the very existence of higher life.
Without them, possibly the endless cycles of life, death, decay, and birth could not function. In gardening, we should seek prevention of the development of large populations of destructive pests rather than complete destruction of them. I provide food and shelter during the winter for only one reason, i.e. insect control. Overwintering birds manage on seed proteins and seed oils, but continuously search out insect eggs and pupae as it is their habit to forage when they are not resting or socializing. Many of these birds will remain close to your property all year long.