What does biological control involve in pest management?

Biological control in pest management refers to the practice of utilizing living organisms to help suppress pest populations. This approach leverages natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to combat unwanted pests, thereby promoting an ecological balance. For instance, introducing ladybugs can effectively manage aphid populations, as ladybugs feed on aphids. This method is often seen as environmentally friendly since it reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals and minimizes harmful effects on non-target species and the overall ecosystem.

While the other options may address pest management, they do not align with the principles of biological control. The use of synthetic chemicals focuses on chemical solutions rather than a natural biological approach. Removing damaged plants is a cultural practice aimed at reducing potential pest habitats but does not introduce organisms to manage pests. Physical trapping involves directly capturing pests, which is a mechanical method rather than integrating biological agents. Thus, the introduction of living organisms is fundamental to biological control strategies.