Pilates instructor Helen (@helenvphelan) recently recorded her emotional reaction to killing a wolf beetle.
The TikTok video, which has received over 1,500 likes, has sparked a discussion about invasive species and the harms of eradicating them.
@helenvphelan Now I’m gonna feel guilty all day #crimeofbeingsmall #tiktokpoetry #spottedlanternfly ♬ Original Sound – Helen • Intuitive Pilates
In the video, Helen says, “I know I have to kill them when I see them because they harm crops and stuff, but TikTok has rotted my brain. I just killed one and all I can think about is the poem, ‘I hope no one kills me for the crime of being small,’ and I can hear the song.”
“And now I’m crying.”
The red hoverfly is an invasive insect that causes serious damage to trees, crops and other plants. Native to Asia, the red hoverfly was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread to several other states, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
While killing these insects may seem heartbreaking at the moment, it is an important step in protecting native ecosystems.
Invasive species such as the red-eared bee can compete with native species for resources, leading to biodiversity loss, and can also transmit diseases, causing significant economic damage to agriculture.
Commenters on Helen’s video offered words of support and encouragement.
“It’s ok, that’s a natural reaction! But in this case you really need to squash it. I’ll be posting your fight on TikTok and cheering you on!” one user wrote.
Another commented: “Don’t feel guilty about trying to help the environment.”
Another said: “I stopped feeling that way when the swarm built a nest outside my front door and trapped me.”
Though it may not feel good right now, taking action against invasive species is essential to protecting the Earth’s delicate ecosystems, including the ones in your own backyard. Every little choice we make can have a big impact.
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