What is biological pest control?

Biological pest control refers to the practice of using living organisms to manage pest populations in agriculture and other settings. This method often involves introducing natural predators or parasites of the pests, which can help to reduce their numbers in a more environmentally friendly way than chemical pesticides.

Using biological control, such as ladybugs to manage aphid populations, promotes a balanced ecosystem where pest populations are kept in check without the negative consequences associated with chemical applications, such as pollution and harm to non-target species. This approach leverages the natural relationships between species, making it a sustainable strategy over the long term.

This method stands in contrast to chemical pest control, which can have harmful side effects, and physical barriers and pest-resistant crops, which may not entirely eliminate pests but rather provide temporary solutions. Biological pest control emphasizes harmony with the environment rather than reliance on synthetic substances, which is increasingly important in modern agriculture as concerns over pesticide use grow.