pest
harmful insect or small animal
An insect or small animal that causes damage to plants, food, homes, or health.
[someone] has a problem with [pests]
- The farmer sprayed the field to protect his crops from pests.
- We called an exterminator because the kitchen was full of tiny pests.
- Climate change is allowing new pests to survive the winter and damage trees.
- The report warns that invasive pests are destroying native plants in the region.
- Proper food storage is essential to prevent pests in restaurants.
- We have pests in our kitchen, so we must clean it well.
- Many farmers lose money because pests eat their crops.
- The city pays a company to control rats and other pests.
- This spray helps keep garden pests away from the roses.
annoying or bothersome person
A person who is very annoying and does not stop bothering other people.
[someone] is such a pest
- Stop calling me at work just to chat; you're being a real pest.
- Her little brother can be a pest, but she still loves him.
- I don't want to be a pest, but could you check that email today?
- He kept tapping my shoulder during the movie like a total pest.
- Neighbors complained that the salesman was a pest, knocking on doors late at night.
- My little cousin is a pest when I try to study.
- I don't want to be a pest, so I only ask once.
- She can be a pest, but she is very kind too.
- Please stop texting me every minute; you are such a pest.
old term for plague disease
An old word used in literature or history for a very dangerous disease that kills many people, especially the plague.
the pest spreads through [a place]
- The village was emptied when the pest swept through in the winter of 1629.
- In the old chronicles, the pest is described as a punishment from heaven.
- Doctors were powerless against the pest that ravaged the crowded city.
- In this old story, many people die from a pest.
- The writer uses the word "pest" for a great sickness in the city.
- Long ago, some people thought the pest was a sign of God's anger.
- Base: pest
- Plural: pests
garden pest
1pest that harms garden plants
An insect or small animal that eats or damages flowers, vegetables, or other plants in a garden.
- Slugs are a serious garden pest in this rainy region.
- The book includes pictures to help you identify common garden pests.
household pest
1pest commonly found in homes
An insect or small animal, like ants, cockroaches, or mice, that often lives in people’s houses and causes problems.
- Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests worldwide.
- The leaflet explains how to prevent household pests without using strong chemicals.
pest control
1professional or organized removal of pests
Work done to stop or remove insects or animals that cause damage or problems, especially in homes, farms, or cities.
- We need to call a pest control company to deal with the cockroaches.
- The city increased its pest control efforts after a rise in rat sightings.
pest management
1planned control of pest populations
Careful planning and methods used, especially by farmers and scientists, to reduce damage from pests.
- The workshop focused on sustainable pest management for small farms.
- Integrated pest management encourages using fewer chemical pesticides.