What is biological pest control?

Biological pest control involves the utilization of natural enemies or substances to combat pests, making it a crucial component of integrated pest management (IPM) practices. This method leverages the existing ecological balance by introducing organisms such as predators, parasitoids, or pathogens that specifically target and suppress pest populations without the need for synthetic chemicals. Common examples include ladybugs controlling aphid populations, parasitic wasps laying eggs in caterpillars, or the use of beneficial nematodes to target soil-dwelling pests.

This approach aligns with sustainable agricultural practices, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, which can have detrimental effects on non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, and can contribute to problems such as pesticide resistance. By promoting natural pest control agents, biological methods help maintain an ecosystem balance, reducing the overall pesticide load on the environment while still effectively managing pest populations.