The Indian Pest Control Association (IPCA) , the apex body of pest control professionals in the country will be observing June 6, 2019 as World Pest Day 2019 to generate awareness about the importance of pest control to protect food, homes, families, lives and businesses.
World Pest Day, a multinational event established to raise awareness among the public, government and media about the work that pest control professionals do on a daily basis to ensure public health and safety. In India iPCA organised functions at Mumbai, Delhi, Bangluru, Lukhnow and Kolkata .
“Indian Pest Control Association (IPCA) is currently member of Global Pest Management Coalition (GPMC) , a world body of pest management associations to provide unified voice around the globe, fighting pest menace jointly and ensuring protection of health ,home, food and businesses worldwide..” Said Mr Mr Jaldhi Trivedi, President, Indian Pest Control Association (IPCA) .
“World Pest Day has come at the right time as the number of mosquito, tick, and rodent-borne diseases like Zika virus, yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya and malaria were on the rise in recent years especially in a developing country like India. The severity of invasion had also increased due to a rapidly warming planet, accelerating urbanisation and booming trade and tourism” said Mr Jaldhi .
“Observing of World pest day in India will help raise awareness of the possible health risks associated with pests such as cockroaches, rodents, mosquitoes and flies The increasing threat of biting insects spreading the range of diseases they are famous for. Due to the diseases they spread, it is estimated that mosquitoes are responsible for causing one million deaths each year, making them the world’s deadliest animal.” Mr Jaldhi Said.
“Pests are much more than just a household nuisance, capable of transmitting sometimes fatal diseases and causing significant property damage if left unchecked. We strongly encourage homeowners to work with qualified pest control professionals to prevent and protect against pests.” He added.
Experts attending the World Pest day initiative also stressed on the need of use of “Sustainable Insect Pest Management” especially for fumigation instead of chemical pesticides harmful to environment and ozone .About 148 countries including India have signed the Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer” said Mr Raju Shroff, Patron, Indian Chemical Council and Founder crop protection company UPL, speaking on the occassion .
“World pest day is also observed worldwide to bring awareness about role of pest management professionals as they are a thin line of defence against some of nature’s most harmful organisms,. As Pests have the potential to contaminate homes and workplaces, spreading disease, Damage belongings and get into foodstuffs, Damage property, causing fires and flooding.. “he added.
“Insects, rodents and birds can easily contaminate food and work surfaces with their excreta, hairs or body parts. These are potential pathogens that spread disease. Parasites carried by pest species can also be passed on to humans causing illness and stress.” said Mr Manpreet Singh , Joint secretary , North Zone, IPCA while speaking on the occasion.
Some of the suggestion made by IPCA to contain the pest menace include Eliminate sources of standing water around the house, including birdbaths and in clogged gutters to help reduce biting mosquito populations. Seal any cracks on the outside of the home with a silicone-based caulk, including entry points for utilities and pipes. Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and away from the house. Overhanging branches can act as highways into the home. And Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
