The term 'cooties' commonly refers to which type of infestation?

The term 'cooties' is commonly used to refer to a lice infestation, particularly in children's language and informal contexts. Lice are small parasitic insects that live on the hair and scalp and can cause itching and discomfort. The association of the term 'cooties' with lice arises from the historical context in which children would often joke about having cooties when they felt unwell or when discussing the presence of lice among their peers. This term is largely a playful reference and is deeply rooted in childhood experiences and terminology regarding infested hair due to lice.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different types of infestations that do not align with the common use of 'cooties.' Fleas are typically associated with pets and cause discomfort through bites but are not referred to as cooties. Bedbugs are small insects that feed on blood and are associated with infesting furniture or bedding; however, they are not identified with the term 'cooties.' Flies, while they can be a nuisance and can represent an infestation in other contexts, are not connected to the idea of cooties. Therefore, the connection between the term 'cooties' and lice makes this answer the most appropriate choice.