What is biological control?

Biological control refers to the method of managing pest populations through the use of natural predators, parasites, or pathogens. This approach harnesses living organisms—such as insects, bacteria, or fungi—that specifically target and reduce pest populations without relying on synthetic chemicals.

The use of living organisms in this way promotes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly means of pest control, as it seeks to mimic natural ecological processes. For instance, introducing a predator that feeds on a specific pest can help maintain that pest's population at manageable levels, thereby reducing the need for chemical pesticides and minimizing their potential harmful impact on the ecosystem.

In contrast, using chemicals to eliminate pests can lead to a range of negative consequences, such as the development of pesticide resistance and harm to non-target species, including beneficial insects and plants. Introducing non-native species to control pests can further disrupt local ecosystems and lead to unintended consequences. Implementing crop rotation techniques is a method for managing soil health and pest populations but does not specifically involve the use of living organisms in the way biological control does.