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How to Say "pest" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pest” is “bicho” — use 'bicho' to describe an annoying or bothersome person, often in a slightly informal or even affectionate way, similar to calling someone a 'nuisance'..

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bicho

/bee-cho//ˈbitʃo/

nounC1informal
Use 'bicho' to describe an annoying or bothersome person, often in a slightly informal or even affectionate way, similar to calling someone a 'nuisance'.
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 pest of a 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.

plaga

/PLAH-gah//ˈpla.ɣa/

nounB1
Choose 'plaga' when referring to a literal infestation of insects or animals that cause damage or are a widespread problem.
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.

terror

teh-ROHR/teˈror/

nounC1informal
Use 'terror' for a person, usually a child, who is extremely disruptive and causes a lot of trouble, akin to a 'holy terror' or 'menace'.
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 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-teh//ˈpeste/

nounB2informal
Employ 'peste' when referring to nasty or negative talk about someone, meaning 'badmouthing' or 'slander'.
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 People vs. Problems

The most common mistake is using 'plaga' for annoying people. Remember that 'plaga' specifically refers to animal or insect infestations. For annoying individuals, 'bicho' or 'terror' are better choices, depending on the severity and tone.

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