Crossword Genius

Be fussy in dealing with infestation (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nitpick

'be' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot see how one could define the other.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for nitpick that I've seen before include "Find fault in petty way" , "Be fussily pedantic" , "Be very particular" , "Have little complaint" , "Criticise pettily" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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