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World Pest Day – 6 June

HISTORY OF WORLD PEST DAY

While pest control might be as old as agriculture, the first instance was not recorded until 3000 B.C. in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians applied biological control agents by introducing cats to manage rodent populations in their grain stores. They also introduced mongooses into homes to control rodents and snakes. In 2500 B.C., the Sumerians of Mesopotamia began using sulfur compounds as insecticides. In 1200 B.C., the Chinese employed predatory ants against pests such as beetles and caterpillars to protect citrus orchards. They also used botanical insecticides to treat seeds.

While there was a continued development in pest management during Medieval times in other parts of the world, Europe regressed and adopted superstitious tactics. However, that changed with the scientific awakening during the Renaissance. New chemical repellents were discovered, including nicotine and arsenic. In the 1700s, German physician Franz Ernst Brückmann invented a mechanical flytrap to capture various insects. Brückmann later invented the flea trap, which became a popular fashion accessory during Victorian times. In 1879, James M. Keep patented the first lethal mousetrap, which used a set of spring-loaded, cast-iron jaws. New chemical insecticides were developed between the late 1800s and after WWII, including D.D.T., herbicides, organophosphates, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.

During the 1960s, the public became aware of the harmful impacts of these chemical pesticides on the environment. That led to the re-emergence of biological control. Although chemical pest control is still the primary method for pest management today, people are beginning to take an interest in traditional and natural pest control. On June 6, 2017, the Chinese Pest Control Association pioneered the first World Pest Day, collaborating with the Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers’ Association, the National Pest Management Association, and the Confederation of European Pest Management Associations.

WORLD PEST DAY TIMELINE

3000 B.C.
The First Biological Pest Control

Ancient Egyptians use cats to control the rodent population.

2500 B.C.
The First Insecticide

The Sumerians employ sulfur compounds as insecticides.

1879
The Mousetrap

James M. Keep patents the first lethal mousetrap.

2017
The First World Pest Day

The Chinese Pest Control Association launches World Pest Day at the Beijing Hotel.

 

Source: Text: https://nationaltoday.com/world-pest-day/    Image: Freepik

Semaine internationale pour les alternatives aux pesticides – 20-30 mars 2023

Semaine internationale pour les alternatives aux pesticides

Traditionnellement célébrées lors des 10 premiers jours du printemps (soit du 20 au 30 mars pour 2023), la semaine pour les alternatives aux pesticides est une opération internationale annuelle ouverte à tout un chacun. Son but est d’informer le grand public sur les conséquences de l’usage des pesticides de synthèse dans notre agriculture et promouvoir une prise de conscience qu’une alternative reste possible.A début du printemps, les épandages de produits pesticides reprennent de plus belle, mettant chaque année en cause l’équilibre sanitaire de notre environnement. Une date symbôle… pour que cela change !

Et les néonicotinoïdes dans tout cela ?

On parle beaucoup de leur interdiction générale, mais en pratique où en sommes-nous ? Chaque annonce de mise en application de la loi s’accompagne de revendications de groupes catégoriels estimants que, sans eux, leur mort est inéluctable. Mais pouvons-nous réellement reculer indéfiniment l’action en faveur de l’environnement et céder continuellement aux lobbies de l’agro-chimie ? A méditer.

Un site à visiter : www.semaine-sans-pesticides.fr      Source: Texte & Image: Journée mondiale