======Pest Control======
=====Methods and Practices=====
Pest Control in the [[Wizarding World]] refers to the set of magical practices, [[charms]], and [[potions]] used to manage or eliminate unwanted magical creatures from a dwelling or area. Methods vary depending on the specific pest.
  * **[[Boggart]]s:** While technically non-beings, [[Boggart]]s are common household pests found in dark, enclosed spaces. The primary method of removal is the [[Boggart-Banishing Spell]], which has the incantation //[[Riddikulus]]//. This [[charm]] forces the [[Boggart]] to assume a comical form, and the resulting laughter repels it.
  * **[[Bundimun]]s:** These multi-eyed, creeping fungi secrete a substance that rots the foundations of dwellings. They are effectively dealt with by using [[Scouring Charms]].
  * **[[Chizpurfle]]s:** Tiny, crab-like parasites attracted to [[magic]]. They infest the fur of creatures like [[Crups]] and [[Augureys]] and can also be found in magical objects, which they gnaw on to consume the residual magic. Control methods are handled by the [[Pest Sub-Division]] of the [[Ministry of Magic]] and may involve patented potions.
  * **[[Doxy|Doxies]] (Biting Fairies):** Venomous, fairy-like creatures that infest homes, typically nesting in curtains. A standard method for removal involves spraying the creatures with [[Doxycide]], a black, foul-smelling [[potion]] that paralyzes them, allowing for their safe disposal. Protective gear is recommended, and a [[Knockback Jinx]] can be used to stun them temporarily.
  * **[[Ghoul]]s:** Ghouls are generally simple, harmless creatures that tend to live in the attics or barns of wizarding families. While often tolerated as a noisy but benign presence, they can be removed by the [[Ghoul Task Force]], a part of the [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]].
  * **[[Gnome]]s:** Small magical creatures that live in holes in the gardens of wizarding houses. The most common method of removal, known as "de-gnoming," involves grasping the [[gnome]] by the ankles, swinging it in a circle to make it dizzy, and then throwing it as far as possible over the garden wall. Another known method involves using a [[Jarvey]] to hunt them.
=====Known Instances and Practitioners=====
The need for pest control is a mundane part of life in the [[Wizarding World]] and is mentioned several times throughout the series.
  * **De-gnoming at [[The Burrow]]:** The [[Weasley]] family regularly de-gnomes their garden. [[Harry Potter]] participates in this chore during his first visit, where [[Molly Weasley]] instructs her sons on the proper swinging and throwing technique. The alternative methods described in [[Gilderoy Lockhart]]'s book, //[[Gadding with Ghouls]]//, are dismissed by the Weasleys as foolish.
  * **Cleansing of [[Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place]]:** Following its use as the headquarters for the [[Order of the Phoenix]], [[Molly Weasley]] led a major effort to clean the long-abandoned Black family home. This involved extensive pest control, most notably dealing with a large infestation of [[Doxy|Doxies]] in the drawing room curtains using [[Doxycide]]. A [[Boggart]] was also removed from a writing desk in the same room by [[Molly Weasley]]. [[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley]] secretly kept some [[Doxy]] eggs for use in their [[Skiving Snackboxes]].
  * **[[Gilderoy Lockhart]]:** The fraudulent [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] teacher was the author of several books claiming expertise in pest and creature control, including //[[Gadding with Ghouls]]//. His supposed knowledge was later revealed to have been stolen from other witches and wizards.
=====Learning and Professional Practice=====
Basic pest control is considered a part of general magical household management, likely covered under the umbrella of [[Domestic Charms]]. More advanced knowledge may be taught in [[Charms]] or [[Care of Magical Creatures]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]].
For serious infestations or dangerous pests beyond the ability of an average witch or wizard, the [[Ministry of Magic]] provides professional services. The [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]] includes a **[[Pest Sub-Division]]** and a specific **[[Ghoul Task Force]]** dedicated to these matters.
=====Etymology=====
The term "pest control" is a direct adoption of the [[Muggle]] English phrase. It refers to the regulation or management of a species defined as a pest because it is perceived to be detrimental to a person's health, the ecology, or the economy.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the video game adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets//, a "De-Gnoming" mini-game is featured, allowing the player to physically throw gnomes out of [[The Burrow]]'s garden, as described in the book (video game).
  * The Pottermore website (now Wizarding World) has featured articles on pests like [[Gnome]]s and [[Doxy|Doxies]], largely reiterating information found in the novels and the //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]// textbook (Pottermore).