Pest (Organism)

A pest organism, broadly defined, is any animal, plant, fungus, or microorganism that adversely affects human interests, including agricultural crops, livestock, forestry, and human health. Pests can cause significant economic damage by hindering production in agriculture, transmitting diseases, and degrading the quality of life. Examples include insects like mosquitoes and termites, weeds like dandelions, and pathogens like the powdery mildew fungus. Management of pests typically involves integrated pest management practices combining biological, chemical, mechanical, and cultural methods to minimize pest impact while promoting environmental sustainability and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.