Crossword Genius

Domestic animals eating small bugs (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pests

'bugs' is the definition.

'domestic animals eating small' is the wordplay.
'domestic animals' becomes 'pets' (I've seen this before).
'eating' is an insertion indicator.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'pets' going around 's' is 'PESTS'.

(Other definitions for pests that I've seen before include "Persistently annoying persons" , "Take steps to troublesome animal." , "Steps taken about nuisances" , "Steps (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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