Pests
Pests
Pests (/pɛsts/), from the Latin pestis meaning "plague", are organisms that cause harm or discomfort to humans, crops, or livestock, often leading to significant economic damage. Pests can include insects, plants, birds, mammals, rodents, and microbes.
Etymology
The term "pest" comes from the Latin pestis, which means "plague" or "scourge". It was first used in English in the late 15th century to refer to an annoying person or thing. By the 16th century, it was being used to refer to harmful or annoying animals or insects.
Types of Pests
There are several types of pests, including:
- Insects: These are the most common type of pest. They include mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, bed bugs, and termites.
- Plants: Some plants can become pests when they grow in unwanted places or in excessive amounts. Examples include weeds and invasive species.
- Birds: Some bird species can become pests when they cause damage to crops or buildings. Examples include pigeons and seagulls.
- Mammals: Some mammals can become pests when they cause damage to crops, property, or pose a threat to human health. Examples include rats, mice, and rabbits.
- Rodents: Rodents are a type of mammal that often become pests due to their tendency to invade homes and cause structural damage.
- Microbes: Microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, can also be considered pests when they cause disease in humans, animals, or plants.
Related Terms
- Pest control: The regulation or management of a species defined as a pest.
- Pesticide: A chemical or biological agent that kills pests.
- Infestation: The state of being invaded or overrun by pests or parasites.
- Extermination: The process of killing, removing, or getting rid of pests.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pests
- Wikipedia's article - Pests
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