Organisms that control pests by predation, parasitism, or disease are known as what?

Organisms that control pests by predation, parasitism, or disease are known as what?

• A. Beneficials
• B. Pests
• C. Vectors
• D. Decomposers

Answer: (A)

Organisms that control pests by preying on them, living as parasites, or causing disease are known as beneficials. They are considered allies in pest management because they actively reduce pest populations, helping to protect turf without relying solely on chemicals. In turf care and IPM, recognizing and supporting these beneficials—like lady beetles and lacewings that eat aphids, parasitoid wasps that attack pest larvae, and certain fungi or nematodes that infect pests—keeps pest numbers in check naturally. This is different from pests, which cause damage; vectors, which spread diseases, and decomposers, which break down dead material. So the term that fits organisms that suppress pests through predation, parasitism, or disease is beneficials.

Organisms that control pests by preying on them, living as parasites, or causing disease are known as beneficials. They are considered allies in pest management because they actively reduce pest populations, helping to protect turf without relying solely on chemicals. In turf care and IPM, recognizing and supporting these beneficials—like lady beetles and lacewings that eat aphids, parasitoid wasps that attack pest larvae, and certain fungi or nematodes that infect pests—keeps pest numbers in check naturally. This is different from pests, which cause damage; vectors, which spread diseases, and decomposers, which break down dead material. So the term that fits organisms that suppress pests through predation, parasitism, or disease is beneficials.