Pests

Harmful animals and plants
Nuisance organisms

Nature

Pests are nonpathogenic organisms that compete with man for food or space, damage his possessions or attack him personally. The term "pest" is subjective: an ecologist would not necessarily consider several leaf-eating larvae as pests, but the gardener probably would. Generally, though, to be considered a pest, an animal, plant, or insect must occur in such abundance as to distinctly threaten man or his interests.

Most pests are invertebrate animals, especially insects, mites, nematodes, snails and slugs. Vertebrate pests include many kinds of rodents, birds and deer. Weeds are also usually considered pests.

Background

The global significance of pests emerged alongside the intensification of agriculture and urbanization, with historical records from ancient Egypt and China documenting crop failures and disease outbreaks linked to pest infestations. The 19th and 20th centuries saw scientific advances in entomology and epidemiology, revealing the complex ecological and economic impacts of pests. International concern grew as invasive species and pesticide resistance highlighted the transboundary nature of pest problems, prompting coordinated monitoring and management efforts.

Incidence

Pests pose a significant threat to global agriculture, food security, and public health, affecting millions of hectares of crops and causing billions of dollars in economic losses annually. Their impact is exacerbated by climate change, international trade, and urbanization, which facilitate the spread and establishment of invasive species across continents. The persistence and adaptability of pests challenge control efforts, leading to increased pesticide use and environmental concerns.
In 2023, East Africa experienced a severe resurgence of desert locust swarms, particularly in Ethiopia and Somalia. These infestations devastated crops and pasturelands, intensifying food insecurity for millions of people in the region.

Claim

Pests are a critical problem that demands urgent attention. They destroy crops, spread deadly diseases, and cause billions in economic losses every year. Ignoring pests threatens food security, public health, and the environment. Their rapid adaptation to control methods makes them even more dangerous. We cannot afford complacency—addressing the pest problem with innovative, sustainable solutions is essential for the well-being of our communities and the future of our planet.

Counter-claim

Frankly, the fuss over pests is completely overblown. Most so-called “pests” are just minor annoyances, not real threats. People waste time and resources worrying about a few bugs or rodents when there are far more pressing issues in the world. Nature has always balanced itself out, and obsessing over pests is simply unnecessary. Let’s stop exaggerating their impact and focus on problems that actually matter.