Biological Pest Control Essay

Biological pest control is the suppression of pest damage through the action of one or more natural enemies and usually involves an active human role.

These enemies, also known as biological control agents, include predators, parasitoids and pathogens. Parasitoids are parasites whose larvae develop inside another organism’s body, and an example of a parasitoid is a wasp. A pathogen or infectious agent is a biological agent that causes disease or illness to its victim and it disrupts the normal physiology of the insect pest, an example of a pathogen is bacteria. Predators consume a large number insect pest species over their lifetime.

A successful natural enemy should have a high reproductive rate, good searching ability, victim specificity,

Ladybugs also deteriorate rapidly if not handled properly. You must use adequate release rates; a high number of ladybugs are required to control aphids. One large heavily infested rose bush in the landscape required two applications of around 1,500 ladybugs each, a week spaced apart. You must release ladybugs in the dusk or early evening otherwise they will fly away almost immediately. Ladybugs are expected to fly away within a few days of releasing; about 95%- of released beetles flew away within 48 hours and the remainders were gone in between 4-5 days.

The chemical control of aphids using insecticidal soaps is a more environmentally friendly option. The use of chemical pesticides is widespread due to the relatively low cost, the ease with which they can be applied and their effectiveness, availability and stability. Chemicals pesticides are generally fast acting, which limits the damage done to crops. The key with using the soap sprays is that it has to contact the aphids when you spray so thorough coverage is