What is biological control?

Biological control refers to the method of managing pests through the use of natural predators, parasites, or pathogens, rather than chemical pesticides. The primary advantage of biological control is that it can establish a self-sustaining population of natural enemies that control pest populations over time. This means once the biological control agents are introduced and establish themselves, they can continue to provide pest management without the need for repeated human intervention or input.

This approach supports ecosystem health and can lead to long-term pest management solutions that are environmentally friendly. The self-sustaining nature of biological control can be particularly beneficial for agricultural practices, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and fostering a balance within natural ecosystems.

Other options suggest limitations that either misrepresent the nature of biological control or do not fully capture its value in pest management. For instance, while biological control can indeed be cost-effective in the long run, it is not guaranteed to always be the most economical choice initially due to factors like the costs of introducing predators. Similarly, it is not inherently too complicated for the average person, as various biological control methods can be utilized at different scales, including by home gardeners. Lastly, while biological control is generally designed to be environmentally friendly, it is not without risks; the introduction of non-native biological