What is the definition of biological control?

Biological control refers to the strategy of harnessing living organisms to manage pest populations. This method can involve the introduction or enhancement of natural enemies of pests, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, to decrease the harmful pest population in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in biological control, as maintaining a balance in the ecosystem can naturally reduce pest numbers, leading to healthier turfgrass and less reliance on synthetic pesticides. This approach not only targets specific pest species but also promotes overall ecosystem health. This is distinctly different from synthetic chemicals, machinery, or landscape changes, which do not emphasize the use of living organisms in pest management.