As we journey through the vast and varied landscapes of Australia, the memories of road trips past often come flooding back. The open road, the sprawling outback, and, for many of us, the unmistakable splatter of insects on the windscreen after a long drive. But it seems that this once-common occurrence is becoming a rarity, prompting concerns about a worrying natural trend in Australia.


Outback Mike, an Aussie adventurer with a keen eye for environmental changes, recently noted a stark difference in his road trip experiences compared to his childhood. 'When I was a kid, if you went for a couple of hours drive, it would be common to have bugs splattered all over the car,' he reminisced in a TikTok video. But now, after a full day on the road, the lack of bugs on his windscreen left him asking, 'Where have all the bugs gone?'


This observation isn't unique to Mike. Many Australians have noticed fewer insects colliding with their vehicles, a phenomenon that has been dubbed the 'windscreen effect.' It's a subtle yet telling sign that points to a broader issue: the decline of insect populations.


Dr Roger Farrow, an insect and plant ecologist, acknowledges the difficulty in quantifying this decline in Australia due to a lack of long-term population records. However, the global trend is alarming, with reports suggesting an unprecedented annual decline of up to two percent in insect populations worldwide. Factors such as deforestation, pesticide use, artificial light pollution, and climate change are all contributing to this decline.

Entomologist Tanya Latty echoes the sentiment that while it's challenging to confirm a decline in Australian insects without comprehensive data, anecdotal evidence like the disappearance of Christmas beetles, once a common sight, suggests a worrying trend. 'Everyone remembers there being lots of Christmas beetles when they were young, and now we just don't see those kinds of swarms,' she said.

The suspected reasons behind this decline are multifaceted. Habitat loss is a significant concern, as urban expansion and agriculture encroach on forests and bushlands, displacing the species that depend on these ecosystems. Additionally, the extreme weather events associated with climate change and the widespread use of insecticides and pesticides are taking a toll on insect populations.


While memories of bug-covered windscreens may not be a precise scientific measure, they serve as a poignant reminder of a changing natural world. The 'windscreen effect' is more than just a nostalgic anecdote; it's a call to action for increased public awareness and conservation efforts.

In Australia, there are over a thousand invertebrates listed as threatened species, yet for most, we lack sufficient data to fully understand their plight. Researchers are working diligently to address this knowledge gap, but they need the public's support. The more people are aware of and care about preserving insect biodiversity, the better our chances of safeguarding these vital components of our ecosystem.

Watch Outback Mike's video here:

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we have a unique opportunity to contribute to this awareness. By sharing our observations, supporting conservation initiatives, and advocating for environmentally friendly practices, we can help protect the natural world for future generations.

Have you noticed fewer insects during your travels across Australia? Do you have memories of a time when the 'windscreen effect' was a common part of your road trips? Share your experiences and thoughts with us, and let's discuss how we can all play a part in preserving Australia's incredible biodiversity.