AN insect “apocalypse” is under way that could impact on all life on Earth, a report warns.

The heavy use of pesticides has helped wipe out around half of all species of insects since 1970, say ­worried researchers.

1 At least 23 species of bees and wasps have disappeared in the last 25 years Credit: Alamy

Prof Dave Goulson added: “It could be much more. We just don’t know, which is scary.

"If we don’t stop the decline of our insects there will be profound consequences for all life on earth — for human wellbeing.”

An investigation carried out by ecologists at Sussex University for the Wildlife Trusts found that 40 per cent of the one million known insect species are now nearing extinction.

Many birds, bats, reptiles, small mammals and fish would starve without insects to eat.

And with 87 per cent of plants needing animal pollination, mostly from insects, human food sources are at risk too.

Meanwhile the use of ­pesticides has doubled over the past 25 years, statistics show.

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During this time at least 23 ­species of bees and wasps have disappeared.

But Prof Goulson said leaving the EU could help.

He said: “Whatever people think of Brexit, there is a potential opportunity to completely revise our farming system.”

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