What is an infestation?

An infestation refers to a situation where there is an unusually large number of insects or animals in a specific area, which typically causes damage or poses a health risk. This definition highlights the significant impact that overpopulation of pests can have, potentially impacting sanitation, food safety, and overall health within a given environment.

In the context of health and safety, understanding this term is critical, as infestations can lead to contamination of food supplies and contribute to the spread of diseases. Therefore, it is recognized not just by the mere presence of pests, but specifically by their excessive numbers that result in harmful effects.

This contrasts with the other options, which do not accurately capture the core of what an infestation entails. For example, merely having a few insects does not constitute an infestation, nor does the presence of animals around food unless they are numerous enough to cause an issue. Regular cleaning is unrelated to the definition of an infestation, as it addresses hygiene practices rather than the population dynamics of pests.