Biological pest control

Description of practice

Biological pest control is a method of controlling pests (such as insects, mites, weeds and plant diseases) using other organisms. It relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory, or other natural mechanisms, but typically also involves an active human management role.

Examples of how to use biological pest control		Further information (see Note below)
	Importation of natural predators A pest’s natural enemies (e.g. beetles or larvae) are introduced to a new locale. It is important to note that this kind of introduction may have additional consequences.	»Wikipedia - Biological pest control
	Improve habitat for native fauna Pests can be controlled and combatted by improving the habitat for fauna, thus attracting native predators, parasites or herbivores. Active management is required to (re-) establish and maintain the native fauna.	»WOCAT technology 1293
	Inductive augmentation Natural predators (e.g. ladybirds) of a particular pest (e.g. aphids) are released to augment the predator population in an area.	»Wikipedia - Biological pest control
	Hoverflies Hoverflies (syrphids) are used as a biological pest control. In their larval stage hoverflies are capable of consuming vast amounts of small-soft-bodied insects daily.	»Gardening Know How
	Green lacewings After they have hatched, the larvae of Green lacewings are distributed by sprinkling. They feed on aphids, small worms, eggs, mites and thrips.	»University of California IPM
	Beneficial nematodes Beneficial nematodes (such as the Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) are applied to control different beetle larvae in the soil. The nematodes use the larvae as hosts, killing them in the process.	»Natural Enemies Biocontrol
	Push-Pull integrated pest management In an area affected by stemborer moths, maize is intercropped with a repellent “push” plant (e.g. desmodium). The plot is surrounded by an “pull” plant (e.g. napier grass), attractive to the moths but which secretes a sticky substance trapping their larvae.	»WOCAT technology 958

Note: Most of the Further information links are to a full description of the example in the WOCAT database. However sometimes the link may be to similar practices or a research paper. Occasionally the link is to a commercial product in which case it should be understood that this does not imply any endorsement of the product by iSQAPER.