What is an effective method to reduce pest populations without chemicals?

Biological control using natural predators is an effective method to reduce pest populations without the use of chemicals because it harnesses the natural ecosystem dynamics to manage pest numbers. By introducing or encouraging natural predators—such as ladybugs, predatory mites, or parasitic wasps—pest populations can be effectively controlled as these organisms feed on or parasitize the pests. This method promotes a balanced ecosystem, reducing the need for synthetic chemicals that can have detrimental environmental impacts.

In contrast, increased pesticide application would rely on chemicals which are the antithesis of reducing pest populations without chemicals. Using synthetic pheromones can be effective for certain pest management strategies, especially for monitoring and trapping, but it does not actively reduce populations in the same way that introducing natural predators does. Overwatering plants can lead to a range of other issues such as root rot and may actually create a more favorable environment for pest proliferation, rather than reducing it. Thus, leveraging biological control represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to managing pest populations.