Disinfestation: meaning, definitions and examples

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disinfestation

 

[ ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛsteɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

pest control

Disinfestation refers to the process of removing pests or vermin from a certain area. This term is commonly used in the fields of agriculture and public health to describe measures taken to eliminate insects and rodents that may pose a threat to crops or human health.

Synonyms

infestation elimination, pest removal, vermin control.

Examples of usage

  • The disinfestation of the warehouse was necessary to prevent infestations of rodents.
  • Farmers often implement disinfestation techniques to protect their crops from pests.
  • The hotel performed a disinfestation procedure to ensure the comfort of their guests.

Etymology

The word 'disinfestation' is derived from the prefix 'dis-', which denotes removal or reversal, and 'infestation', originating from the Latin 'infestare', meaning 'to attack or infest'. The term began to gain traction in the early 20th century as a more precise way of describing actions taken against pest infestations. With the advent of modern agriculture and increased urbanization, the need for effective pest control methods became paramount, leading to the evolution of disinfestation techniques and terminology. As public health concerns regarding pests grew, especially in relation to diseases carried by insects and rodents, the word solidified its place in both scientific and practical discussions surrounding pest management.