Do aphids have any benefit for Mankind or is it okay to spray them to extinction(or would ladybirds/ladybugs starve to death as a result)?

Siskin

Aphids are there for the benefit of birds,who rely on them heavily when they have chicks to feed. There's few enough ladybirds,grasshoppers etc. as it is - so if you have the urge to exterminate something - try slugs. Ugh!! Although, no doubt they also provide food for something. May 20 02, 4:11 PM

student

and what, if they have no benefit for MANKIND that means that they should be slaughtered by the millions? i mean, who cares about all those species out there that aren't of any use to humans? who cares of those who cannot help us sow seed or 'give' us milk? who cares of those who live in tiny spaces and their whole life is to lay eggs and eat? (sarcastically!!!!!) slugs ARE eaten by lots and lots of things. salamanders eat them, snakes eat them, lizards eat them, birds (I think) eat them, fungi decompose them, etc. same as snails Apr 24 03, 1:45 AM