What method of pest management involves using natural predators?

• A. Cultural control
• B. Biological control
• C. Mechanical control
• D. Regulatory methods

Answer: (B)

Biological control is a method of pest management that involves the use of natural predators to manage pest populations. This approach leverages the ecological relationships that exist in nature, specifically the interactions between prey and their predators. By introducing or encouraging these natural enemies, such as insects, birds, or other organisms that feed on pests, the population of the targeted pest can be effectively reduced without relying heavily on chemical pesticides.

In contrast, cultural control focuses on modifications in farming practices to make the environment less conducive to pest infestation; mechanical control involves physical methods to remove or block pests; and regulatory methods are geared towards the establishment of laws and guidelines to control pest spread and protect agricultural and natural resources. Each of these approaches has its place in integrated pest management but does not primarily utilize natural predator-prey dynamics like biological control does.