What is biological control of pests?

Biological control of pests refers to the practice of utilizing natural predators or parasites to manage pest populations. This form of pest management is based on the ecological principle that predators can help maintain healthy ecosystems by controlling the populations of harmful organisms. For instance, introducing ladybugs can help control aphid populations in gardens, as ladybugs feed on aphids. This method supports sustainable agriculture, as it reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides, leading to less environmental impact and promoting biodiversity.

Natural predators can offer a more targeted and environmentally friendly approach to pest management by using the natural relationships that exist within ecosystems to manage pest populations effectively. Through biological control, both the health of the crops and the ecosystem can be preserved, making it an important practice in modern agriculture.