What is considered a pest?

The definition of a pest encompasses any insect or small animal that poses a threat to property, human health, or agricultural systems. This means that organisms categorized as pests are those that cause damage, spread disease, or create nuisances in households, gardens, or farmland.

In contrast, beneficial insects play a crucial role in gardening by aiding in pollination or controlling harmful insect populations, thus serving a positive function rather than being considered pests. Rapidly growing plants may become invasive but aren't classified as pests by the standards typically used in pest control. Harmless animals residing in structures might be considered nuisances but do not typically fit the definition of a pest since they don't cause harm to property or health.

Therefore, referring to an insect or small animal that causes harm directly aligns with the widely accepted understanding of what constitutes a pest in the fields of pest control and environmental management.