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flea infestation

flea infestation

4.8
A large number of fleas living on an animal that cause itching and can make it sick
  • noun
  • /fliː ə ˌɪn.fɛsˈteɪ.ʃən/
translation icon : infestación de pulgas
  • The landlord had to hire a pest control service to deal with the flea infestation that was affecting several apartments in the building.

Examples

  • There was a severe flea infestation in the old carpet that needed to be treated.

  • Our veterinarian informed us that the dog was suffering from a severe flea infestation that needed immediate treatment.

  • After adopting the stray cat, they discovered it had a flea infestation that required professional care.

  • If left untreated, a flea infestation can cause serious health problems for your pet.

  • The dog has a serious flea infestation.

  • Have you noticed a flea infestation in your cat?

  • After noticing her cat scratching excessively, she realized that the pet had a flea infestation that required professional extermination.

Synonyms

infestation
vsflea infestation
35 5.7

A large number of unwanted insects or animals living in a place and causing damage

is a specific invasion on an animal causing irritation and possible disease

Antonyms

11 2.6

To stop insects and rodents that harm homes, crops or people's health

How Severe

flea infestation
4.8
flea
202 1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

flea + infestation

The meaning 'an invasion of fleas' is directly and predictably derived from combining 'flea' (a blood‑feeding insect) with 'infestation' (a heavy presence of pests). This straightforward noun‑noun composition follows common cross‑linguistic patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily understand the phrase.

Etymology

Flea infestation gives a clear picture: a flea is a tiny, jumping bug and an infestation is when many of them swarm an animal or a carpet. That's why the phrase means 'a large number of fleas on a pet or in a place that cause itching or sickness'.