Biological Control

Biological control is the use of living organisms such as parasites, predators, and disease-causing organisms (pathogens) to control pests. Insect and mite populations are often held below damaging levels by weather, lack of food, and natural enemies (includ- ing diseases, predators, and parasites). Recognize the impact of these natural control factors and, where possible, encourage their action.

Biological control includes the conservation, augmentation, and importation of natural enemies:

• Conservation involves protecting populations of natural enemies by minimizing insecticide applications and by using insecticides that are more toxic to the target pest than to the natural
• Augmentation entails the periodic purchase and release of natural enemies.
• Classical biological control is the importation of natural enemies from other