What defines biological controls in pest management?

Biological controls in pest management refer to the beneficial activity of one organism that helps to reduce the harmful effects of another. This approach leverages natural relationships in ecosystems, where predators, parasitoids, or diseases can manage pest populations without the use of synthetic chemicals. For instance, introducing natural enemies such as ladybugs to control aphid populations is a prime example of biological control.

This method is sustainable and environmentally friendly, as it often results in fewer negative impacts on non-target organisms compared to chemical treatments. Biological controls tend to promote ecological balance and can lead to long-term pest management solutions as they integrate with other pest control methods.

In contrast, using toxic chemicals to eliminate pests focuses on the direct application of synthetic substances, which often poses risks to human health and the environment. Planting pest-resistant crops can be beneficial but is not classified under biological control, as it involves modifying the host rather than manipulating the biological interactions among organisms. Mechanical removal of pests is another non-biological approach that relies on physical methods rather than encouraging natural predators or controls within the ecosystem.