Biological control

Biological control is a form of pest control practiced by humans. It involves the careful use of one living organism to control the population of a pest species. Examples include ladybirds and lacewing larvae being used to control aphids; parasitic wasps being used to control plant bugs and fungi used to control flies.

A photograph of an adult Yellow dung fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) infested with the fungal pathogen Entomophthora muscae. The fungus has been recognised as a potential biological control agent.
Photograph by Hans Hillewaert licensed under Creative Commons.

Other names for (or types of) Biological control include:

• Biocontrol

Related terms

• Ectoparasitoid
• Host
• Integrated Pest Management
• Ladybird
• Parasitoid

Related groups of terms

• General biology

Related pages on this web site

• Insects & Man

See other words beginning with B