Which pest management practice involves the use of natural predators?

The pest management practice that involves the use of natural predators is biological control. This method relies on the introduction or encouragement of organisms that prey on or parasitize pests, effectively reducing their populations. For example, ladybugs can be used to control aphid populations, while parasitoid wasps can target caterpillars. This approach harnesses the ecosystem's natural relationships and can promote a sustainable balance between pests and their predators, reducing the need for synthetic pesticides.

In contrast, cultural control involves modifying agricultural practices or environments to suppress pest populations, such as crop rotation or adjusting planting times. Mechanical control includes physical methods to eliminate pests, like traps or barriers. Chemical control relies on the use of pesticides to manage pest populations, which may not take advantage of natural enemies and can sometimes disrupt ecological balances. Thus, biological control specifically emphasizes the role of natural predators in managing pests successfully.