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Integrated Pest Management · Agriculture and Natural Resources

University of California

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  • Alternatives to pesticides

Biological control

Aphis wasp

Parasitic wasp laying its egg inside an aphid.

Biological control is the beneficial action of predators, parasites, pathogens, and competitors in controlling pests and their damage. Biological control provided by these living organisms (collectively called "natural enemies") is especially important for reducing the numbers of pest insects and mites, but biological control agents can also contribute to the control of weed, pathogen, nematode or vertebrate pests.

Information

  • What is IPM?
  • Beneficial Predators
  • Common Garden Spiders
  • Lady Beetles
  • Parasites of Insect Pests
  • Less Toxic Insecticides

Identification

  • Natural Enemies Gallery

More information

  • Biological Control and Natural Enemies of Invertebrates

Recursos en español

  • Manejo integrado de plagas y control biológico
  • Depredadores benéficos
  • Arañas comunes del jardín
  • Catarinas
  • Parásitos de insectos plaga
  • Insecticidas menos tóxicos