In Integrated Pest Management, what is a primary method used to control pests biologically?

In Integrated Pest Management (IPM), one of the key strategies for controlling pests biologically is by introducing natural enemies of those pests. This approach leverages the ecological relationships that exist in nature, where certain organisms, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, can help to keep pest populations in check.

By incorporating natural enemies into pest management strategies, effective control can be achieved without solely relying on synthetic chemical pesticides, which can have adverse effects on the environment, non-target species, and human health. Utilizing biological control methods like this takes advantage of the natural balance within ecosystems and can lead to more sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management practices.

Other methods mentioned, such as using chemical pesticides, are part of more traditional pest control approaches that can sometimes disrupt ecological balance, while planting more crops or applying heat may not directly target pest populations in an effective biological manner. Therefore, introducing natural enemies stands out as a fundamental biological method in the framework of Integrated Pest Management.