World Pest Day 2023: Every year on June 6, World Pest Day is observed to raise awareness about effective pest management practices and how they improve the quality of human and plant life. Did you know that vermin control has been practised by humans since 3000 BCE? Pests are organisms that transmit disease, cause damage, or are a nuisance. Ants, rodents, termites, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and bed bugs are common parasites. Pesticides, biological control agents, electronic devices, and physical means are all employed to control vermin. World Pest Day, also referred to as World Pest Awareness Day, is a Chinese Pest Control Association initiative.
World Pest Day 2023: History
Even though insect control may be as old as agriculture, it was not documented until 3000 BCE in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used cats as biological control agents to manage rodent populations in their grain storage facilities. Additionally, they introduced mongooses into residential areas to suppress rodents and snakes. The Sumerians of Mesopotamia began using sulphur compounds as insecticides around 2500 B.C. In 1200 B.C., Chinese citrus plantations were protected by predatory ants against pests such as beetles and caterpillars. In addition, botanical insecticides were used to treat seedlings.
Europe regressed and adopted superstitious pest control practises during the Middle Ages, whereas pest management in other regions of the world continued to advance. However, this changed with the Renaissance’s scientific awakening. New chemical repellents, such as nicotine and arsenic, have been discovered. Franz Ernst Brückmann, a German physician, invented a mechanical flytrap to catch numerous insects in the 1700s. Later, Brückmann invented the flea trap, which became a popular Victorian fashion accessory. In 1879, James M. Keep patented the first lethal mousetrap, which featured a pair of cast-iron jaws with a spring-loaded mechanism. Between the late 1800s and after World War II, new chemical insecticides were developed, including DDT, herbicides, organophosphates, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
In the 1960s, the public became aware of the negative environmental effects of these chemical pesticides. This resulted in the revival of biological control. Although chemical pest control remains the predominant method of pest management in the modern era, there is a growing interest in traditional and natural pest control methods. On June 6, 2017, the Chinese Pest Control Association collaborated with the Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers’ Association, the National Pest Management Association, and the Confederation of European Pest Management Associations to establish the first World Pest Day.
World Pest Day 2023: Facts
Flies use their feet to sense.
Chemonsensilla, the taste receptors of flies, are located in their feet.
In the Jurassic period, cockroaches existed.
Cockroaches have existed for greater than 200 million years.
Raccoons possess paws.
They have five digits that are dexterous enough to unlace shoes.
Mosquitoes adore odorous feet.
Mosquitoes are drawn to the odour emanating from sweaty feet and hosiery.
Scorpions give birth to live young.
Scorpions give birth to live offspring as opposed to depositing eggs.
Queensland Day 2023 (Australia): Date, History, Significance, Activities, Facts
World Pest Day 2023: Significance
Poor vermin control can have negative effects on households, nations, and the global community. World Pest Day is a chance for professionals and organisations to develop strategies to combat global pest infestations and establish standards for responsible pest management.
On World Pest Day, these statistics are highlighted. It provides a means for professionals to educate the public about the importance of insect management.
Pests affect more than just humans. In addition to destroying plants and food, they contribute to world starvation. Approximately 20% to 40% of global crop production is lost annually due to parasites. Effective insect control and management ensure that the appropriate precautions are taken, especially in vulnerable regions, to mitigate the impact.
World Pest Day 2023: Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 6 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | June 6 | Thursday |
| 2025 | June 6 | Friday |
| 2026 | June 6 | Saturday |
| 2027 | June 6 | Sunday |
