infestation

English

Etymology

From Middle French infestation, from Late Latin infestatio. Morphologically infest +‎ -ation.

Pronunciation

IPA^(key): /ˌɪnfɛsˈteɪ̯ʃən/, [ˌɪnfɛsˈtʰeɪ̯ʃən] ~ [ˌɪnfɛsˈtʰeɪ̯ʃn̩]; [ˌɪɱfɛsˈtʰeɪ̯ʃən] ~ [ˌɪɱfɛsˈtʰeɪ̯ʃn̩]
- Audio (Southern England): (file)
Rhymes: -eɪʃən
Hyphenation: in‧fes‧ta‧tion

Noun

infestation (countable and uncountable, plural infestations)

The presence of a large number of pest organisms in an area or field, on the surface of a host or anything that might contact a host, or in the soil.
Hyponym: intrusion
- 2007, George W. Norton, E. A. Heinrichs, Gregory C. Luther, Globalizing Integrated Pest Management: A Participatory Research Process, page 87:
  Guatemalan snowpea production has continually been harmed by insect and disease infestations.
- 2013 November 16, Caroline Williams, “I, bee bot”, in New Scientist, page 43:
  You've probably heard about Beemageddon. Over the past few years, colony collapse disorder – thought to be brought on by a pernicious combination of overwork, bad weather, pesticides and infestations of parasitic varroa mites – has been threatening to wipe out honeybees all over the world, and with them many of our food crops.
- 2016, Jersey City, N.J. Code of Ordinances § 254-43. - Maintenance of exterior of premises‎^[1]:
  A. The exterior of the premises and all structures thereon shall be kept free of all nuisances, unsanitary conditions and fire or safety hazards in the public areas and any of the foregoing shall be removed and abated promptly by the owner or manager.
  B. Without limiting the generality of Subsection A, the maintenance includes: . . . (3) Keeping the premises free of conditions conducive to infestation by vermin or insects, such as rodent harborages or stagnant water, and other known sources of infestation.
- 2025 May 28, Paul Clifton, “Project Brunel on the right line”, in RAIL, number 1036, page 28:
  "We have done some targeted pest control, and it has made a huge difference. It's a serious topic. We looked at why there were so many power trips at Ladbroke Grove. And it was an infestation of birds."