pest

Everyday

1. A pest is an insect or animal that harms crops, food, gardens or homes, such as rats, mice, cockroaches or greenfly. tree →
2. A pest is also an annoying person, especially a child who keeps bothering you. tree →

In the lessons

In science and farming pests eat crops or spread germs, and people use traps, sprays or natural enemies (like ladybirds) to control them. In stories a little brother may be called «a pest». Phrases: «pest control», «garden pests», «be a pest», «stop being a pest».

Examples

• Rabbits are a big pest for farmers in Australia. tree →
• Slugs are pests that eat lettuces. tree →
• Ladybirds eat aphids, which are garden pests. tree →
• We called pest control to get rid of the mice. tree →
• My little sister is being a pest again! tree →
• Keep food covered so pests don't get in. tree →
• Stop being a pest and let me finish my homework. tree →
• The Pest Maiden arrives, and thrusts her arm in at his window. tree →

Note

Countable: pest, pests. «Pesticide» is a chemical to kill pests; it can be poisonous, so children should never touch it. Calling someone a pest is mild and often joking, not very rude.