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Bacteria, Fungi and Insects - Many insects, fungi, bacteria, and other organisms are thought to be harmful, yet very few of them are. It is a pity when we use treatments that are designed to kill everything. So along with the few "bad guys" go all the "good guys." Then we want to buy the "good guys" and put them back. The insects and microorganisms have a job to do on earth. Many are "clean up" experts such as this fungus (Picture on left.) parasitizing the mushroom fruiting body of another fungus (Page 105 TREE PITHY POINTS, SHIGO, 1999). These organisms break down dead organisms to release or recycle elements essential for new life. Some organisms attack others that no longer have a defense system. A few attack living organisms that are healthy.