Infestation

An infestation is the presence and spread of pests or parasites in a host, place, or stored material, often causing harm or requiring control.

Population growth: An increase in the number of individuals in a population over time. Pest reproduction and survival determine how quickly an infestation expands.
House dust mite: A microscopic arachnid that feeds on shed skin and commonly inhabits household dust and bedding. Dust mites are a common indoor infestation associated with allergy triggers.
Infection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in a host’s tissues. Infection usually concerns microorganisms in hosts, while infestation commonly concerns parasites or pests.
Allergy: An immune response to a usually harmless substance that causes symptoms in a sensitized person. Mites and insect debris can trigger allergic reactions without directly infecting a person.
Surveillance: The systematic collection and interpretation of observations to detect changes in a population or condition. Monitoring reveals where infestation occurs and whether it is increasing.
Dispersal: The movement of organisms away from their birthplace or from one population to another. Movement between hosts, rooms, or stores spreads an infestation.
Bed bug: A blood-feeding insect that hides near sleeping places and feeds mainly at night. Bed bug infestations show how pests establish and spread through buildings.
Colonization: The establishment of an organism or population in a new habitat or on a host. Colonization can occur without the damage or control concern associated with infestation.
Vector-borne disease: An illness caused by a pathogen transmitted between hosts by an organism such as a mosquito or tick. Infesting arthropods can transmit pathogens as well as cause bites or irritation.
Threshold of economic injury: The pest density at which expected economic damage equals the cost of control. This threshold helps decide when an infestation warrants intervention.

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