How Do Biological Pest Controls Work?

Biological controls are the introduction of natural predators so they will kill or at least contain the pest population. For each different pest, you will need a different predator. This is a potential drawback, but, usually, you will only be affected by one or two at a time.

Pests

• Ant – Pathogenic Nematode – Steinernema Feltiae
  Aphid – Parasitic Wasp lava – Aphidius Species
  Mealy Bug – Pathogenic Nematode – Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri
  Red Spider Mite – Predatory Mite – Phytosieuslus Persimilis
  Scale Insect – Parasitic Wasp – Metaphycus Helvolus
  Slug – Pathogenic Nematode – Phasmarhabdita
  Whitefly – Parasitic Wasp – Encarsia Formosa

Biological control may need particular conditions for the predators to flurish. usually they do better in warm conditions (but not too hot). Nematodes for slugs need damp conditions.

The great thing about Biological control is that they can be used with other organic methods, but, once introduced you cannot start spraying with chemicals as you will kill predators too.

Related

• Pros and Cons of Biological Pest Control
• Biological Pest Control at Jersey Direct
• Biological Pest Control at Amazon