World Pest Day - History, Purpose, Theme

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Mar 4, 2022, 11:52

Any plant, animal, insects, or germs that cause harm or damage to humans or their property are referred to as pests or vermin. Pests are usually unwanted and mostly terminated by humans. Pests commonly cause diseases, destroy crops, and damage property. Some of the common pests known to us include rats, mosquitoes, ants, wasps, moths, locusts, mealybugs, and termites.

Perhaps surprisingly, pests also have a day of their own. World Pest Day, also referred to as World Pest Awareness Day, is celebrated every year on June 6. This international event aims to raise awareness among ordinary people about the importance of professionals working for pest control and expressing gratitude towards their daily work to make our lives safe, healthy, and happy.

World Pest Day History

World pest day was first celebrated in 2017. The initiative of celebrating world pest day came from the Chinese Pest Control Association. Other organizations like the National Pest Management Association, The Confederation of European Pest Management Associations, and The Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers Association joined the celebration and funded the cause. The global pest management association now has more than 30 associations driving this cause under it. The leaders in pest management together look into potential threats caused by pests and find solutions to eradicate them.

Most notoriously, the rats can be quite troublesome and stubborn. As a result, people use several home control methods like traps and chemicals to remove them from their premises. However, it sometimes takes pest management professionals to clear them out of a location.

World Pest Day - Purpose and Plan

The main motive behind World Pest Day 2021 was generating awareness around pest control workers. This included:

  • Creating awareness among the public on the vital role of pest management organizations and professionals
  • Promoting the use of pest management responsibly
  • To build respect for the global pest control management professionals
  • Drawing the attention of people towards risks associated with tiny pests

World Pest Day Themes

Year

Theme

Venue

Activities

2017

The Launch ceremony of World Pest Day

Beijing Hotel

World Pest Day was officially launched by the proposal of Xiaoyun Huang, the Former President of FAOPMA.

2018

Controlling Pests and Ensuring Food Safety

Lisbon, Portugal

  • Speech delivered by the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management (WHO CVSM) on Pest Control for Public Health and Food Safety.
  • First award ceremony to Outstanding contributors by FAOPMA.
  • Several events took place in Asia, America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania on the same theme, including expert forums, exhibitions, and education sessions.

2019

Pest Control for Healthy Communities

Tianjin Municipality, China

  • Scientific lectures on the theme.
  • Live demonstration of pest control project
  • Premiere of cartoon film Fighting against Mosquito.

2020

Rodent Control for Health

-

The sudden COVID 19 resulted in a diversion of the pest control industry in fighting this new challenge.

2021

Recognition of Professional Pest Control for Protecting Health, Home, and Businesses

-

Appeal to the public to emphasize pest control and the industry's recognition in preventing infectious diseases.

World Pest Day 2021 aims to create awareness among people and emphasize the importance of the pest control industry, especially when we are fighting against several harmful strains of CoronaVirus. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy of the countries. The pest control industry has controlled the infection through sanitization programs worldwide. World Pest Day 2021 aims to be ready for such unforeseen challenges and recognize the contribution of the pest control industry, which plays a significant role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

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FAQs on World Pest Day

Q.1) When is World Pest Day celebrated?

World Pest Day is celebrated on June 6.

Q.2) What was the theme of World Pest Day, 2021?

The theme of world pest day 2021 was recognition of the pest control industry and professionals in preventing and control of infectious diseases.

Q.3) Why is World Pest Day celebrated?

World pest day is celebrated to create awareness among people, industries, governments, and media related to threats caused by pests.