biological pest control

Syrphus hoverfly larva (below) feed on aphids (above), making them natural biological control agents. A parasitoid wasp (Cotesia congregata) adult with pupal cocoons on its host, a tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta, green background), an example of a hymenopteran biological control agent

Biological control or biocontrol is a method of controlling pests, whether pest animals such as insects and mites, weeds, or pathogens affecting animals or plants by using other organisms. It relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory, or other natural mechanisms, but typically also involves an active human management role. It can be an important component of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Invertebrates and other macroorganisms are registered as biological control agents by the authorities in the US and Europe very differently to microorganisms, which are registered as biopesticides.