Pest
Pest
Pest (/pɛst/), from the Latin pestis meaning "plague", is a term often used in the field of medicine to refer to an organism that causes disease or discomfort to humans or human concerns, particularly in agriculture.
Definition
A pest is any living organism which is invasive or prolific, detrimental, troublesome, noxious, destructive, a nuisance to either plants or animals, human or human concerns, livestock, or human structures. It is a loose concept, as an organism can be a pest in one setting but beneficial, domesticated or acceptable in another.
Types of Pests
There are several types of pests, including:
- Insects: These are the most common type of pest. They include flies, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs, and lice.
- Rodents: These include rats, mice, and squirrels. They can cause damage to property and spread diseases.
- Birds: Some birds like pigeons and seagulls can be considered pests as they can cause damage to property and spread diseases.
- Microorganisms: These include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They can cause a variety of diseases in humans and animals.
Control of Pests
Pest control refers to the regulation or management of a species defined as a pest. This can be achieved through deterrents, repellents, or lethal means such as pesticides. Pest control is important in agriculture to maximize food production.
Related Terms
- Pesticide: A chemical used to kill pests.
- Pest Management: The process of managing pests, usually in agriculture.
- Vector (epidemiology): An organism that does not cause disease itself but spreads infection by conveying pathogens from one host to another.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pest
- Wikipedia's article - Pest
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