What is an example of a pest?

Author: Dr. Mckenzie Lehner  |  Last update: Monday, September 1, 2025

A pest is any living thing—a plant, an animal, or a microorganism—that has a negative effect on humans. It can be an unwanted plant (weed), fungi, nematode, microbe (such as bacteria or virus), insect, spider, mite, bird, fish, rodent, or even a deer.

What is an example of a pest animal?

Pests such as possums, rats, feral cats and stoats compete with our native birdlife for food and habitat. They also eat the eggs and young and attack the adults. They are also a major cause of decline for many other species, including reptiles and invertebrates. These animals are often called predators.

What is an example of a pest organism?

A pest is any organism that spreads disease, causes destruction or is otherwise a nuisance. Some examples of pests are mosquitoes, rodents, and weeds. Not all insects are pests. Many different kinds of insects eat other insects and are beneficial species.

What is the meaning of pest?

an annoying or troublesome person, animal, or thing; nuisance. Synonyms: annoyance. an insect or other small animal that harms or destroys garden plants, trees, etc. a deadly epidemic disease, especially a plague; pestilence. Synonyms: epidemic, scourge, pandemic.

What is an example of a regular pest?

Regular pests: Occurring more frequently on a crop having close association with the crop. (eg) Brinjal shoot and fruit borer. Occasional pests: Occurring infrequently with no close association with a particular crop (eg) Snake gourd semilooper. Seasonal pests: Occurring during a particular part of the year.

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What are examples of pests?

A pest is any living thing—a plant, an animal, or a microorganism—that has a negative effect on humans. It can be an unwanted plant (weed), fungi, nematode, microbe (such as bacteria or virus), insect, spider, mite, bird, fish, rodent, or even a deer.

What is a major pest?

A major pest is a pest species that is currently causing significant damage to crops, livestock, or other resources, and is known to be a major economic or ecological problem. These pests have already established themselves and are well-documented as causing significant damage to the environment or human activities.

Is a cockroach a pest?

Cockroaches, or “roaches”, are among the most important household pests. Indoor cockroaches are known as significant pests of public health, and outdoor species that find their way inside are considered serious nuisance pests as well as potential public health pests.

Are mice a pest?

The house mouse (Mus musculus) is considered one of the most troublesome and economically important pests in the United States. House mice live and thrive under a variety of conditions in and around homes and farms. House mice consume food meant for humans or pets.

Is a mosquito a pest?

Mosquitoes are a nuisance when they swarm in large numbers, and when they bite, leaving behind itchy welts. They are more than a nuisance, however. They can carry serious diseases that infect humans and animals, including West Nile virus, malaria, and eastern equine encephalitis.

Are ants a pest?

They are pests in structural, household, industrial, garden and turf in urban environments. To control such industrious pests, we must know which ants are being dealt with, as well as where they nest, how they behave, and what they are feeding on.

Are flies a pest?

The house fly and other types of “filth flies” can become nuisance pests, but also are important for their potential to harm humans and animals. House flies, for example, can spread diseases such as food poisoning and dysentery.

Are bees pests?

The answer is yes! There are certain bee species that are thought to compete with other bees and native animals for nesting sites and food sources. If left unchecked, some of these pest bees even pollinate the wrong plants, leading to the unwanted spread of weeds.

What is a pet pest?

When the family goes outside to play, it isn't just the kids bringing unwanted pests back inside. Animal fur is ideal for pet pests such as fleas and ticks to grab onto as Fido explores the backyard. Fleas and ticks have unique adaptations that make them well suited to finding and feeding on mammals to survive.

Is a pest a rat?

In many instances, organisms that we deem “pests” may not be pests (some may be beneficial), and other organisms may only be pests in certain instances and control may not always be warranted. In most cases, rats are considered a serious health concern and are considered pests.

What is an example of a pest predator?

Predators capture and eat other organisms such as insects or mites. Predators include ladybird beetles, ground beetles, lacewings, syrphid (hover) flies, aphid midges (Aphidoletes) and yellowjacket wasps. Parasitoids are insects that parasitize other insects.

What if I accidentally touched mouse poop?

It is important to talk to health care providers about possible exposure to rats or mice or their droppings. If a person reports history of rodent exposure and is experiencing fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath, a physician may draw blood to test for hantavirus infection.

What smell do mice hate?

The strong scent of peppermint is overwhelming to mice. Similarly, essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, bergamot oil, clove oil, and cinnamon oil are potent in keeping mice at bay. One study noted that eucalyptus oil applied once a day was more effective as a rat repellant than once a week.

Is it safe to sleep with a mouse in your room?

Mice can carry diseases like salmonella and hantavirus, which could be very harmful to your health. Plus, they can carry other, smaller pests. View source like fleas, ticks, and mites. If you find signs of bed mice, it's necessary to address the problem immediately.

What is considered a pest?

A pest can generally be defined as any animal, plant, or other organism whose biology, behavior, or location places it in direct conflict with humans. Because some insects threaten human health, destroy food, damage structures or landscapes, or cause general annoyance or anxiety, they are considered pests.

What smell do roaches hate?

Some strong scents, such as lavender and mint, have been known to repel cockroaches.

Are killing cockroaches bad?

Killing roaches can actually spread more germs around your home. Roaches carry bacteria, and when you squash one, you risk spreading whatever germs it was carrying all over the surface. The bacteria or viruses that were on the roach's legs and body can contaminate countertops, floors, and even your hands.

What is the rarest pest?

The Lord Howe Island Phasmid or Land Lobster, Dryococelus australis, may be the rarest insect in the world and is possibly also the rarest invertebrate.

What are some common pests?

  • Bedbugs. Bees, Hornets and Wasps. Cockroaches.
  • Carpet Beetles. Carpenter Ants. Clothes Moths.
  • Flour Beetles. Fruit Flies/Vinegar Flies. Fungus Gnats.
  • Grain Beetles. Indian Meal Moth. Larder Beetle.
  • Lesser Mealworm. Mealworm. Powderpost Beetles.
  • Ants. Boxelder Bug. ...
  • Clover Mite. Cluster Flies. ...
  • Millipede. Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle.

What is a minor pest?

The designation of "minor" pests simply means these pests are often localized to one area of tomato production, or, if they are common throughout most tomato production areas, their ability to damage a tomato crop and reduce marketable yield is sporadic both in time and space.

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