biological control

noun

1

: the reduction in numbers or elimination of pest organisms by interference with their ecology (as by the introduction of parasites or diseases)

2

: an agent used in biological control

Examples of biological control in a Sentence

She practices biological control in her gardening.

She uses biological controls in her garden.

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s historical precedent for both natural enemies and introduced biological controls getting the job done. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 July 2024

Milky Spore, the product name for a biological control agent for Japanese beetle grubs, is a naturally occurring bacteria that infects the grubs and kills them. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2024

My main focus has been on the role of ants as biological control agents—as predators in the system. —Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024

How ladybugs were lucky Ladybugs, also called lady birds and lady beetles, are biological control agents that eat pests and protect crops, says John Losey, a professor of entomology at Cornell University. —Kate Morgan, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

biological control

noun

: attack upon pests by interference with their ecology (as by introduction of parasites)

Medical Definition

biological control

noun

1

: the reduction in numbers or elimination of pest organisms by interference with their ecology (as by the introduction of parasites or diseases)

2

: an agent (such as pyrethrum) used in biological control