What is a biological control method?

A biological control method refers to the use of natural organisms, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, to manage pest populations. This approach harnesses the ecological relationships between species to reduce pest numbers in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. By employing natural enemies of pest species, biological control aims to maintain pest populations at manageable levels without the need for synthetic chemicals, which can sometimes have negative side effects on non-target species and the environment.

This method is fundamentally different from other pest management strategies that rely on chemical or mechanical interventions. For instance, using synthetic pesticides involves the application of chemicals, which can lead to resistance in pest populations and pose risks of contamination to ecosystems. Similarly, constructing barriers primarily prevents pests from accessing crops rather than managing their populations through ecological interactions. The application of synthetic hormones also disrupts pest development but does not utilize natural ecological processes, distinguishing it from biological control.