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How to Say "pest" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pest” is “plaga” — use 'plaga' when referring to a large, destructive infestation of insects or animals that damage crops or property.

English → Spanish

plaga

PLAH-gahˈpla.ɣa

nounB1general
Use 'plaga' when referring to a large, destructive infestation of insects or animals that damage crops or property.
Several brown and black rats gathered closely together, symbolizing a historical plague or infestation.

Examples

La plaga de langostas destruyó toda la cosecha.

The plague of locusts destroyed the entire harvest.

Necesitamos un exterminador para deshacernos de esta plaga de cucarachas.

We need an exterminator to get rid of this cockroach infestation.

La zona rural sufrió una plaga de mosquitos este verano.

The rural area suffered a mosquito plague this summer.

Always Feminine

Since 'plaga' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la plaga' (the plague).

Using 'Peste' Incorrectly

Mistake: “Using 'peste' when talking about crop damage or insects.”

Correction: While 'peste' means 'plague' (especially historical diseases), 'plaga' is the better word for modern problems like insect infestations or agricultural pests.

parásito

nounB1medical/biological
Use 'parásito' specifically for a biological organism that lives in or on another organism and causes harm.

Examples

El médico dijo que el niño tiene un parásito intestinal.

The doctor said the child has an intestinal parasite.

bicho

bee-choˈbitʃo

nounC1informal
Use 'bicho' informally to describe an annoying or troublesome person, often with a slightly negative or dismissive tone.
A person wearing a bright yellow shirt, red pants, and a large, oddly shaped green hat, conveying eccentricity.

Examples

Ese bicho del vecino siempre nos está espiando.

That weirdo neighbor is always spying on us.

Mi hijo es un bicho, nunca para de correr.

My son is a rascal; he never stops running.

Gender Flexibility

Though the word is masculine ('el bicho'), in some regions, 'la bicha' is used specifically to refer to a female person negatively.

Overuse in Formal Settings

Mistake: “Using 'bicho' to refer to a person in a professional environment.”

Correction: Use neutral terms like 'persona' or 'individuo.' This meaning is strictly informal.

terror

teh-ROHRteˈror

nounC1informal
Use 'terror' to describe a person, usually a child, who is extremely mischievous and causes a lot of trouble or chaos.
A mischievous-looking small creature is standing with its arms crossed, smirking proudly, next to a pile of scattered toys, representing a troublesome person or menace.

Examples

Mi sobrino es un terror; rompió dos jarrones esta mañana.

My nephew is a menace/holy terror; he broke two vases this morning.

Ese perro es un terror, siempre está ladrando a los carteros.

That dog is a terror, it's always barking at the mail carriers.

Used with 'Ser'

When 'terror' refers to a person or animal, it is used with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe their nature: 'Él es un terror' (He is a terror).

peste

pess-tehˈpeste

nounB2informal
Use 'peste' to refer to nasty or harmful gossip or comments made about someone, not a literal pest.
A person whispering into another person's ear while pointing at someone in the distance.

Examples

Mi ex habló pestes de mí después de romper.

My ex said nasty things about me after breaking up.

Este niño es una peste, no para de gritar.

This kid is a real pest; he won't stop screaming.

Distinguishing between people and organisms

The most common mistake is using 'plaga' or 'parásito' to describe an annoying person. Remember, 'plaga' and 'parásito' refer to actual insects, animals, or organisms, while 'bicho' and 'terror' are used for troublesome people.

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