infester

Infester is a term used to describe an agent that infests, typically an organism that invades and reproduces within another organism or within a space, often causing harm, nuisance, or disruption. In biology and ecology, infestations occur when populations of parasites, pests, or invasive species colonize a host or habitat. Examples include ectoparasites such as lice, mites, and ticks on animals and humans, endoparasites such as intestinal worms, crop pests such as aphids or caterpillars, and wood- or structural pests such as termites.

In human settings, infesters can refer to organisms that colonize living spaces, stored products, or crops, including bed bugs in homes or grain pests in silos. In agriculture and forestry, infesters can threaten yields and ecosystems, while in medicine, infestations can refer to microbial or parasitic infections.

Management and prevention focus on detection, sanitation, exclusion, and treatments. Approaches include integrated pest management, mechanical removal, chemical controls, and biological controls, as well as measures to minimize spread, quarantine new plants or materials, and maintain healthy ecosystems to reduce vulnerability.

Etymology: infester derives from Latin infestare, through Old French infester, with meanings related to invading or overrunning.