It seems like we are living in a time of daily celebrations (ice cream, doughnuts, etc.) that I do not remember from my childhood. While many of these are news to me, they are not necessarily new, as is the case of World Mosquito Day, which I just learned about from Wondercide (they are offering 20% products, all of which I highly recommend).
So I just went to Wikipedia for more information, and I learned that we are commemorating Sir Ronald Ross’ discovery of the transmission of malaria via female mosquitoes in 1897. It is a good reminder of the persistence of mosquitoes and their role as vectors for multiple diseases, which seems especially relevant as West Nile cases are rising across Georgia, as they have often done, especially recently, this time of year as the temperatures and rainfall increase in summer months and provide relatively consistent and prevalent breeding opportunities.
Of course, with the launch of B Buckets, World Mosquito Day has new personal significance for me. I am an art historian embracing the science and embarking in many ways, as I said yesterday to our local upper elementary school, on what is the most significant STEaM project I have embraced: using the life cycle of the mosquitoes and design strategies from visual arts to offer buckets that combine methods and messages in a new way to eliminate mosquitoes and support pollinators.
While this day is more commemoration of an individual (lost in its nominal designation) than the insect, it is an encouraging reminder that such discoveries lead to change and start sometimes with a single individual (though I am sure that Sir Ross had others with him).
I am grateful for Dr. Doug Tallamy and his efforts to explain and disseminate mosquito buckets. Many of us have learned from him. And I am grateful for those like Peter Helfrich of Beecatur and Georgia Beekeepers Association, who has taught me so much about pollinators and local advocacy. I appreciate all of those in Decatur and Atlanta who have been working with me to spread the buckets, not just those who are stocking and building but also those who have trusted and invited and risked. I celebrate all of you today, especially our clients who have opted for buckets and given up chemical sprays. Today I admire and commend you most of all.
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