Resources: Basics of biocontrol

Biological control (or ‘biocontrol’) is the use of living organisms and naturally-sourced (or nature-identical) compounds to control pest and disease populations. 

Learn how to use biopesticides and biocontrol products effectively.

Choosing a biopesticide or biocontrol product for managing a pest is about asking the right questions.

Learn how to maximize the effectiveness of biocontrol and biopesticide products with proper application methods: equipment, timing, and more.

Integrated pest management is a sustainable alternative to pest management and includes a number of key steps to go through.

Biocontrol and biopesticide products provide many benefits that align with the principles of regenerative agriculture.

Identifying a pest is critical to finding an effective means of management. See our guides and tools here to help develop your diagnostic skills.

We explore the benefits of two types of biocontrol – biopesticides and macrobials, or invertebrate biocontrol agents. These types of biocontrol include pheromones, micro-organisms, natural substances and beneficial organisms such as insects and mites.

Chemical pesticides do not always make contact with pests, while some bioprotectants can actively search for them.

Due to climate change and the effects of pesticides, environmentally friendly pest control has become attractive.

From consumers to farmers, synthetic pest control can pose a severe threat.

Food safety policies are getting more exigent. How can biocontrol help growers adapt their practices to access stricter markets?

Pest resistance to chemical pesticides is a growing problem. How can biocontrol counteract this phenomenon?

Macrobials in biocontrol can parasitize and feed on pests. Find out about their many forms and how to apply them properly.

Learn about the diversity of microbial biopesticides, their applications, their modes of action, and more in this beginner’s guide.

Explore semiochemicals with this guide: understand pheromones, allelochemicals, and strategic application.

Explore the power of natural substance biopesticides: learn all about plant extracts, botanical and mineral oils and how to use them.

Find out about the types of biological control and how you can use them.

Explore augmentative biological control in agriculture, a sustainable alternative to pesticides that enhances ecosystems and crop yields. Learn about its benefits, challenges, and global impact.

Explore different pest control methods, their mode of action, and the challenges and limitations.

Learn about our latest free guide on Sustainable Pest Control, packed with expert advice on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biocontrol.