infestations

Infestations refer to the presence of pests in numbers sufficient to cause nuisance, damage, or health concerns in a given area. Infestations can occur in homes, workplaces, farms, and natural ecosystems, and may involve animals, plants, or microorganisms. The term is commonly used for insects and rodents in urban settings, but also applies to weeds, fungi, and other organism groups when they persist in a location beyond what is considered normal.

Common residential infestations include termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, and mice or rats. In agricultural settings, infestations can involve insect pests such as aphids or caterpillars, weeds that outcompete crops, and fungal or bacterial pathogens. Plants and ecosystems can experience infestations by invasive species that spread rapidly and disrupt native communities.

Infestations arise when conditions support rapid reproduction and survival, including abundant food, water, shelter, and favorable climate. Global trade, travel, poor sanitation, and slow detection can facilitate spread and establishment of pests in new areas.

Impacts of infestations range from property damage and structural risk to health problems and economic costs. Some pests are vectors of disease, contaminate food, or trigger allergic reactions. Infestations can also affect biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

Control strategies are typically based on integrated pest management. This involves accurate identification, monitoring, and threshold-based actions; prevention and exclusion through sanitation and habitat modification; biological controls and physical barriers; and chemical controls as a last resort, used carefully to minimize non-target effects. Professional pest management services are often employed for severe or persistent infestations.