Which control method focuses on enhancing natural enemies or using their products?

Biological control is centered on utilizing natural enemies of pests, such as predators, parasitoids, or pathogens, to manage pest populations. This method focuses on enhancing the existing populations of these natural enemies in the environment or introducing new ones to effectively suppress pest numbers. The approach is environmentally friendly and can lead to sustainable pest management by maintaining ecological balance.

For instance, in a garden or turf setting, the introduction of ladybugs can help control aphid populations since ladybugs feed on aphids. Additionally, biological control can also involve the use of specific products derived from these organisms, like microbial pesticides, which are based on naturally occurring bacteria or fungi that target specific pests.

In contrast, cultural control focuses on modifying agricultural practices to reduce pest establishment and reproduction without relying on natural enemies or their products. Mechanical control involves physical methods to remove or destroy pests, while chemical control relies on synthetic or organic pesticides to eliminate pest populations. Each of these methods serves a different purpose in pest management and does not directly enhance or utilize natural enemies like biological control does.