A Chizpurfle is a type of very small parasite. Crab-like in appearance, they are up to a twentieth of an inch with fangs. Magic attracts them and they are commonly found in the fur and feathers of Crups and Augureys.
They attack magical objects like wands and cauldrons, grawing through to the magical core or gorging on the last remnants of potions. In the absence of magic, Chizpurfles attack Muggle items, powered by electricity. This explains the failing of various new electrical goods.
Chizpurfle infestations are usually easily handled by patented potions on the market, but more severe infestations need to be dealt with by the Pest Sub-Division of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
Etymology
The word "Chiz" is an English word for "cheat" or "swindle". The word "Purfle" is a fur trimming border of a garment.