Certified Arborist Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Biological control in pest management refers to the use of living organisms to control pest populations, making the release of natural predators or parasites a primary method. This approach harnesses the natural enemies of pests, such as beneficial insects, birds, or microbial agents, to help reduce pest numbers, thereby minimizing reliance on chemical pesticides.

For instance, introducing ladybugs into a garden can help control aphid populations, as ladybugs are natural predators of aphids. This method not only targets the pest specifically but also promotes an ecological balance, benefiting the overall health of the ecosystem.

In contrast, the application of chemical pesticides represents a synthetic approach to pest control, which does not align with the principles of biological control. Increasing soil fertility and planting resistant varieties are strategies aimed at promoting plant health and resilience rather than directly managing pest populations. While they can play an essential role in integrated pest management, they do not exemplify biological control.