Which pest control strategy uses natural predators to manage pest populations?

Biological control is a pest management strategy that harnesses the power of natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to regulate pest populations. This method focuses on the ecological relationships within an environment, utilizing organisms that naturally prey on or compete with the pests that are causing damage. For example, ladybugs might be used to control aphid populations, or parasitoid wasps could be introduced to manage caterpillar infestations.

This approach not only targets specific pests without the need for synthetic pesticides but also promotes a balanced ecosystem, reducing the likelihood of pest resurgence and damage to beneficial organisms. Biological control can lead to long-term pest management solutions that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, aligning with integrated pest management principles.

In contrast, chemical control employs synthetic or natural pesticides to kill pests, mechanical control involves physical barriers or devices to remove pests, and the cultural method consists of practices aimed at reducing pest establishment and proliferation, such as crop rotation or sanitation measures. Each of these alternatives serves a specific purpose in pest management but does not focus on utilizing the natural predator-prey dynamics that biological control emphasizes.