Biologic Pest Control, spelled /baɪəˈlɒdʒɪk pɛst kənˈtroʊl/, refers to the use of natural or living organisms such as predators, parasites, and pathogens for the management of pest populations. The word "biologic" is spelled with an "o" in the first syllable instead of an "i" due to its origin from the Greek word "bios," meaning life. The term "pest control" is spelled in standard English, with the stressed second syllable of "control" marked by the primary stress symbol in IPA.
Biologic pest control refers to the use of living organisms or natural substances to manage or eradicate pests that have detrimental effects on plants, animals, or human health. It is a method of pest management that relies on the natural processes and relationships of different organisms within an ecosystem.
In biologic pest control, beneficial organisms or substances are introduced to regulate or reduce the population of pests. These organisms can include predators, parasites, or pathogens that feed on or infect the target pests. This method aims to maintain a balance within the ecosystem by promoting the natural enemies of pests, which helps in suppressing their numbers and preventing infestations.
This approach to controlling pests is often considered more environmentally friendly compared to chemical control methods, as it minimizes the use of synthetic pesticides that can have harmful effects on humans, animals, and non-targeted beneficial insects. It is also a sustainable approach that can provide long-term pest management solutions.
Biologic pest control can be used in various settings, including agricultural fields, gardens, forests, and even urban spaces. It can be applied on a small scale by individual gardeners or on larger scales by farmers or pest management professionals.
Overall, biologic pest control plays an important role in maintaining the health and integrity of ecosystems while minimizing the negative impacts associated with traditional pest control methods.