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What is a "pest"?
A pest is a destructive creature that causes harm or annoyance to humans, their property, crops, or livestock. These can include insects such as mosquitoes, termites, and cockroaches that spread disease, damage crops, or invade homes, as well as larger animals such as rodents that can destroy property and carry diseases. While some pests can be controlled through natural methods, such as introducing predators or using repellents, others require more aggressive measures such as pesticides or extermination.
a persistently annoying person
any epidemic disease with a high death rate
a serious (sometimes fatal) infection of rodents caused by Yersinia pestis and accidentally transmitted to humans by the bite of a flea that has bitten an infected animal
