Which type of pest control relies on natural enemies?

Biological control is the approach that relies on the use of natural enemies to manage pest populations. This method leverages predators, parasites, or pathogens to reduce pest numbers and minimize their impacts on crops and other environments. For example, releasing ladybugs to control aphid populations is a practical application of biological control. This strategy is fundamentally different from other methods, as it focuses on enhancing or utilizing existing ecological relationships rather than relying solely on synthetic chemicals, physical means, or farming practices.

Chemical control, on the other hand, typically involves the use of pesticides to eliminate pests directly, whereas mechanical control employs physical methods like traps or barriers to manage pest populations. Cultural control changes agricultural practices, such as crop rotation or adjusting planting times, to make the environment less conducive to pest infestations. Each of these methods has its place in integrated pest management, but biological control uniquely emphasizes the role of natural ecosystems and biodiversity in pest management.