Pest

A pest is an animal or insect that damages crops, food supplies, or other valuable resources. This can include insects that eat plants, rodents that consume stored grains, or organisms that cause disease. In a broader sense, a pest can also refer to anything that causes annoyance, trouble, or disruption, like a persistent nuisance or a troublesome person. The impact of pests can range from minor inconveniences to significant economic losses or public health threats. Effective pest management aims to control populations to minimize harm, often involving a combination of methods like pesticides, biological controls, and habitat modification.

Pest meaning with examples

• The farmer discovered a widespread infestation of locusts, a major agricultural pest, decimating his wheat crop. He immediately contacted his farmhand and sprayed the crops with pesticide. The environmental impact of the pesticide had a detrimental impact on the ecosystem, but the harvest needed to be saved.
• Termites are a destructive pest in many homes, causing significant damage to wooden structures. The homeowner was shocked to see the damage they had caused. The cost of pest control was expensive and the homeowner was forced to sell the house.
• Mosquitoes are an annoying pest, especially in the summer, spreading diseases like malaria and Zika virus. The homeowner found that some mosquito spray worked better than others, so they needed to find a new brand.
• The restaurant owner struggled with a rodent pest problem, leading to health code violations and potential loss of business. The health inspector told the owner to use rodent traps. After the problem was dealt with the business was back in operation.
• The constant buzzing of flies proved to be a persistent pest during the outdoor picnic. The guests wanted to move indoors, but the host refused. The host's plan to buy a bug zapper went well.