Biological Pest Control

Organic farmers can control pests by providing habitat to support beneficial organisms, using trap crops, releasing biocontrol agents or applying biopesticides (pesticides made from natural sources, such as microorganisms, plants, animal tissue or minerals). Biocontrol (biological control) agents are living organisms that are introduced or supported by humans with the intent to harm invertebrate pests. Biocontrol agents are sometimes called “enemies” because they attack pests. Biocontrol agents include predators, parasitoids, parasites and pathogens of pests.