Conceptual Definition of Biological Control

One definition of biological control that is easy to use (and easy to remember) is that biological control is "three sets of three." The sets of three represent the "who" -- the natural enemies themselves; the "what" -- which is the objective that one is trying to achieve; and the "how" -- the approach that is taken with the natural enemy to achieve the objective.

Biological Control Agents

"Who" -- the natural enemies to be used. There are different kinds of natural enemies, and their use depends on the kind of pest problem and the setting.

• predators
• parasites
• pathogens