Basic Definition of Biological Control

Biological control can be defined as the use of natural enemies to reduce the damage caused by a pest population. According to most biological control practitioners, biological control differs from "natural control." Natural control is what occurs much of the time, natural enemies keeping populations of potential pests in check without intervention. Biological control, on the other hand, requires intervention, rather than simply letting nature take its course. Biological control is an approach that fits into an overall pest management program, and represents an alternative to continued reliance on pesticides. Detailed information about the approaches to biological control is shown in the conceptual definition, as well as in other specialized sections in the related web pages for the particular biological control agents (e.g., Predators, Parasites, Pathogens). Biological control has a long history of success, both in North America and throughout the world. Several examples and case histories are shown on related pages.