in·fest 
/ɪnˈfɛst/ verb
in·fests; in·fest·ed; in·fest·ing /ɪnˈfɛst/ verb [+ obj] of something harmful or unwanted : to be in or over (a place, an animal, etc.) in large numbers
▪ Lice infested his scalp. — often used as (be) infested ▪ The area was infested with snakes/insects. [=there was a very large number of snake/insects in the area] ▪ The trees were infested by/with caterpillars. ▪ a neighborhood infested with crime ▪ shark-infested waters
▪ Lice infested his scalp. — often used as (be) infested ▪ The area was infested with snakes/insects. [=there was a very large number of snake/insects in the area] ▪ The trees were infested by/with caterpillars. ▪ a neighborhood infested with crime ▪ shark-infested waters
— in·fes·ta·tion /ˌɪnˌfɛˈsteɪʃən/ noun, plural in·fes·ta·tions
[count] ▪ an infestation of caterpillars [noncount] ▪ There were signs of insect infestation.
/ˌɪnˌfɛˈsteɪʃən/ noun, plural in·fes·ta·tions [count] ▪ an infestation of caterpillars [noncount] ▪ There were signs of insect infestation.
