World Pest Day is annually observed across the globe on 6 June to raise awareness about the critical role of pest management in addressing pest-related challenges and protecting public health, food safety, and ensuring a safe, pest-free environment.
- The 2024 theme of World Pest Day is, “Global Solutions, Local Impact: Mapping Success in Pest Management.”
The Global Pest Management Coalition (GPMC) serves as a centralised lead for World Pest Day, uniting pest management organisations worldwide to raise awareness about the industry’s impact on public health and safety.
Note:
i.The 2024 theme emphasises the significance of global collaboration and local action for successful pest management.
ii.The GPMC has joined forces with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), to promote and advance the goals and objectives of the pest management industry.
Background:
i.World Pest Day was initiated by the Chinese Pest Control Association, and co-sponsored by the Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers’ Association (FAOPMA), NPMA, and the Confederation of European Pest Management Associations (CEPA).
ii.The 1st World Pest Day was observed on 6 June 2017 and the inaugural ceremony was held at the Beijing Hotel in China.
2024 Event:
World Pest Day 2024 was highlighted during the Global Public Health & Food Safety Summit, held from June 4-6, 2024, in Miami, Florida, the United States of America (USA).
- The summit was presented by CEPA, NPMA, and FAOPMA, and featured dedicated programming to honour World Pest Day.
The Impact of Insect Pests:
i.Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet. Many insects can seem like pests.
ii.Insects as pests pose significant threats to various sectors, they can harm forest trees and wood products.
- Cultivated crops and agricultural products are vulnerable to leaf consumption and burrowing in stems, fruits, and roots.
iii.This action leads to contamination (Insect body parts, exoskeletons, and eggs) of produce.
iv.The loss of food and feed products damage extends to financial losses in growing, transporting, and storing produce.
v.Various pests that cause harm or damage to humans and the environment are Ticks, Mosquitoes, Stinging Insects, Rodents, Termites, etc.
Pest and Pesticide Management:
i.Pest management is a system of preventive and corrective measures to reduce or prevent pests from harming humans or the environment.
ii.Pesticides are chemical or biological substances designed to repel, destroy, or control pests and regulate plant growth.
iii.The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) estimates that plant pests and diseases reduce global crop yields by 20-40% annually.
iv.The International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management developed by FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) ensures pesticide safety and efficacy without harming health or the environment.
