Extensive information on biological pest control

What is biological pest control? Is it possible to control pests without the use of chemicals and substances that can harm the soil and plants? Can we avoid diseases in plants only with biological products?

Today we will answer all these questions and many more that can be asked about integrated pest management.

What is or what does biological pest control consist of?

Biological pest management simply consists of the use of different resources or allies (living organisms such as predators, parasites, among others) with a main purpose: to control pests and diseases that can attack different crops and plantations. .

A difference between the biological control of pests and diseases with the natural control of pests is that the first method is artificial, that is, it must be the man who intervenes with these biological resources to control the pests in their plantations or fields.

Is it possible to control pests without using chemicals and substances that can harm plants and soil?

Of course it is possible! And it is that despite the fact that biological control may have some limitations, if we know very well what living organisms to use to combat the pest, the results can be very good and we can even achieve much better results than those obtained with chemicals.

Let us remember one thing: chemical substances (pesticides, pesticides, among others) can be very harmful to the health of those who use them, they can damage the land and can even harm those people who eat food that has been sprayed with these substances.

That is why it is highly recommended to look for alternative methods that do not include the use of chemicals.

Can diseases in plants be avoided only with biological control?

Yes! Plant diseases can also be prevented by using biological control. In many cases, the effect of these diseases can only be delayed and in others, if it can be stopped completely.

As with the biological control of pests, what must be done is to introduce different organisms that have the possibility of fighting such a disease and making it disappear or at least reduce its effects on plants.

Advantages and disadvantages of biological pest control

Let us now know some of the advantages and disadvantages that biological control of pests and diseases in crops can have.

Advantages

They have very little (almost no) effect that could harm the land or those who consume the food produced.

Biological control methods usually have long-term pest control times, this is one of the great advantages of biological pest control.

It is difficult for pests to resist good biological control carried out correctly.

Despite what many people may believe, biological pest control is quite effective and has a relatively low cost and can be adapted to the possibilities of those who need it.

The initial investment can be a bit expensive, but after making this first investment, the control will be really effective and of very good quality.

Drawbacks

It is important that these methods of biological control of agricultural pests are previously studied and that their execution is perfect and without problems.

They take longer to take effect, so patience is required for the living organism that will control the pests to settle and multiply.

Some of the living organisms used for pest control are quite specific for a type of pest, for that reason, on many occasions different forms of control must be carried out in the same plantation and this can mean a greater economic expense.

Some examples of biological pest control

Let’s see and learn about some of the most important biological pest control examples today:

How to control the annoying whitefly?

Yes! We can fight against annoying whiteflies using biological control of plants in crops, for this, experts recommend the use of an organism called Encarsia Formosa, a parasitoid that uses whitefly larvae to lay their eggs that spread with the time and little by little to put an end to one of the most annoying pests of tobacco, tomato and many other things.

Ants to fight against bedbugs

Have you had citrus plantations and have bed bugs bothered you a lot? An excellent solution (which should be studied in advance and worked with experts on the subject) has to do with ants and is that these little workers can get rid of bedbugs in a surprising way.

Centipedes against various types of pests

Centipedes offer several advantages for the biological control of pests and it is that in addition to being able to combat various forms of pests, it is also important to mention that they tend to act much more at night and that this will help us to eliminate even other forms of pests. plague that may appear during this time.

The annoying thrips

Who has not struggled in a plantation with thrips? These insects are even quite resistant to different chemical substances, but we assure you that with the biological control of agricultural pests they will be able to get rid of that pest without problems and for a long time.

How to fight against thrips? Betting on one of the species of mites that have the ability to put an end to one of the most complex pests that many of you have surely faced.

After knowing everything about the biological control of pests and diseases, we asked them:

Do you think it is more convenient to learn a little more and bet on this form of pest control?

Or do they plan to stick with traditional methods, using chemicals that can harm their land, their health, and even the health of those who consume what they produce?

The choice is yours! and that is why we suggest you go through the different articles of integrated pest management that we have for you.