What are natural controls of pesticide application?

• A. These are artificially engineered agents
• B. These are naturally occurring biological and environmental agents
• C. These are chemical deterrents
• D. These are mechanical barriers

Answer: (B)

Natural controls are factors in the environment that keep pest numbers in check without human intervention. They include naturally occurring predators, parasites, and diseases that attack pests, as well as environmental factors like weather, habitat diversity, and plant resistance that limit pest success. These natural agents and conditions act as the ecosystem’s checks and balances, reducing pest pressure over time.

That’s why the best choice describes them as naturally occurring biological and environmental agents. Artificially engineered agents are man-made, chemical deterrents are chemical controls, and mechanical barriers are physical controls—none of which are natural controls.