Which control method focuses on using living organisms to manage pest populations?

Biological control is centered on the use of living organisms to manage pest populations. This method leverages natural predation, parasitism, or herbivory to reduce pest numbers. Examples include introducing natural enemies such as predators, parasites, or pathogens that can specifically target and reduce the populations of pest species. This approach is sustainable and environmentally friendly, as it reduces the need for chemical pesticides and helps maintain ecological balance.

In contrast, mechanical control involves physical methods to remove or exclude pests, such as traps or barriers, which does not utilize living organisms. Cultural control refers to practices that modify the environment or farming practices to reduce pest establishment and development, such as crop rotation or sanitation, but it does not rely on living organisms to achieve pest management. Natural controls include processes that occur in nature, such as disease or weather impacts on pest populations, but these are broader and do not imply direct human intervention with living organisms in a managed way like biological control does.