infestation

noun

Etymology: From Middle French infestation, from Late Latin infestatio. Morphologically infest + -ation.

1. The presence of a large number of pest organisms in an area or field, on the surface of a host or anything that might contact a host, or in the soil.

   “Guatemalan snowpea production has continually been harmed by insect and disease infestations.”

   “You've probably heard about Beemageddon. Over the past few years, colony collapse disorder – thought to be brought on by a pernicious combination of overwork, bad weather, pesticides and infestations of parasitic varroa mites – has been threatening to wipe out honeybees all over the world, and with them many of our food crops.”