What term describes the process of controlling pests using their natural predators?

The process of controlling pests using their natural predators is known as biological control. This method leverages the natural relationships and ecosystems in which various organisms live, wherein certain species are used to keep pest populations in check. By introducing or enhancing the presence of these natural predators, one can effectively manage pest populations with minimal impact on the environment, avoiding the potential negative effects associated with synthetic chemicals.

Biological control is often seen as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach as it promotes biodiversity and encourages the health of the overall ecosystem. This method can involve the release of specific beneficial insects, such as ladybugs to combat aphids, or the use of microorganisms that target specific pests without harming non-target species.

Other options represent different pest control methodologies. Cultural control refers to practices that modify the environment to reduce pest establishment and survival, such as crop rotation or sanitation; mechanical control involves the physical removal of pests through barriers or traps; while chemical control relies on the application of pesticides to eliminate pests directly. Each of these options plays a role in integrated pest management, but biological control is distinct in its reliance on the natural dynamics of predator-prey interactions to maintain pest populations at manageable levels.