August 20

World Mosquito Day

Celebrate World Mosquito Day on August 20th and learn about the important role mosquitoes play in our environment and how to protect yourself from bites!

Yearly Date
August 20
Type
Day
Category
Health

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate World Mosquito Day on August 20 with a bit of knowledge about this fascinating insect! This day was created in 1897 by Sir Ronald Ross, a British doctor who discovered that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. It has since become an international campaign focusing on education and awareness about the world's most deadly animal - the mosquito. So let's take this opportunity to learn more about these pesky pests and what we can do to help control them.

World Mosquito Day Timeline

1897
Mosquito-Malaria Connection Discovery
Sir Ronald Ross, a British doctor, established the connection between mosquitoes and the transmission of malaria, setting the stage for World Mosquito Day.
1899
Ross's Nobel Prize
For his groundbreaking work, Ross was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902.
1960s
DDT Pesticide Deployment
The use of DDT as a pesticide to fight mosquitoes became widespread, but environmental and health concerns later emerged.
2007
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The foundation pledged $258 million for malaria research, focusing largely on mosquito control and targeting.
2015
Gene Drive Technology
Scientists proposed the use of gene drive technology to eradicate certain mosquito species, sparking an ongoing debate about the ethical and environmental implications.
2019
World's First Malaria Vaccine
The first malaria vaccine began to be distributed into select regions, marking a significant step in combating the disease.

How to Celebrate World Mosquito Day

1

Donate to a mosquito research organization.

Research is needed to help us better understand mosquitoes, their behavior, and the diseases they carry. Donating to an organization dedicated to this research can help support the cause.

2

Learn about mosquitoes.

Take some time to learn more about mosquitoes and the effects they have on humans and the environment. You might be surprised by what you find out.

3

Spread awareness.

Help educate your friends and family about mosquitoes and the potential risks associated with them. Share information about World Mosquito Day and other mosquito prevention tips.

4

Take preventative measures.

Make sure you take the necessary steps to prevent mosquito bites, such as wearing insect repellent, avoiding standing water, and covering up exposed skin when outdoors.

5

Support organizations that work to eradicate mosquito-borne illnesses.

Organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are committed to eradicating mosquito-borne illnesses around the world. Consider supporting these organizations in any way you can, whether it be through donations or volunteering your time.

Why We Love World Mosquito Day

A

Mosquitoes are important pollinators

Mosquitoes might not have the best reputation, but they play an important role in the ecosystem as pollinators. From flowers and fruits to vegetables and grains, they help spread pollen and ensure a healthy and diverse mix of plants.

B

Mosquito control contributes to better public health

By controlling mosquito populations and preventing them from breeding or spreading diseases, we can reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. This helps keep people safe and healthy all over the world!

C

Mosquitoes are beneficial for food webs

Despite their reputation as pests, mosquitoes actually serve a vital role in food webs around the world. They provide essential nutrition for birds, bats, frogs, fish, and other animals that feed on them. Without mosquitoes, these creatures wouldn’t have enough to eat!

World Mosquito Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Aug 19
Saturday
2024
Aug 19
Monday
2025
Aug 19
Tuesday
2026
Aug 19
Wednesday
2027
Aug 19
Thursday