Infestation

Infestation is a random event.

Spawning

Insect hives spawn in an area below an Overhead Mountain and within 30 tiles of a colony structure. Other factors such as rock walls and light have some influence on their spawn point of choice. Temperatures under -8°C gradually reduce the spawn chances, with the chance dropping to zero at -17°C. A well-lit base discourages insects from nesting, though it can still happen. If you bait insects to spawn elsewhere the chance of an infestation spawning inside is greatly reduced. Neither heat nor floors have any bearing on hive spawning.

Soon, Insectoids (Megascarab, Megaspider and/or Spelopede) will spawn near hives to defend them and, will attack and chase any intruder within a radius of 30 to 35 tiles and then return to their hives once the threat is gone.

If the hives are kept intact, they will reproduce progressively. But if either Megaspiders or Spelopedes are killed, the hives will deteriorate due to lack of maintenance.

Strategy

Infestations are most threatening in mountain bases, as they can spawn practically anywhere inside your base. They are much less harmful in other bases though, and can be considered as a normal-level threat there. Insectoids are melee fighters so colonists with ranged equipment can try to kill them from a safe distance. When fighting an infestation always ensure you completely annihilate every hive. If even one is left, insectoids can keep spawning and leave you back where you started.

More tactics detailed here.

Products

Hives spawn glow pods that light for 20 days (as long as they’re installed), it's lifespan corresponds with the cool down on the infestation. These items can be reinstalled or sold. Another product is the insect jelly in stacks of 20 units every day or so. You can farm these jellies by building walls and doors but insects may dig out and attack your colony. You can retrieve the jellies when the insects fall asleep.