Biological management involves the use of other living organisms to manage pests. Some of these organisms are native to the area, while others are introduced. For example, parasitic wasps were released throughout the state during 1976 - 1978 to help manage the cereal leaf beetle . Several introduced parasites and a native fungal disease are helping to keep the alfalfa weevil in check. A native and naturally occurring fungal disease helps minimize the damage of pea aphids on alfalfa .
Biological methods are usually relatively safe, economical, and long-term pest management tactics.
However, they are often slow in showing results and lag behind pest outbreaks. Pesticide applications can be detrimental to the effectiveness of these organisms, unless they are well synchronized with the development of the parasites and predators. Chemical management involves the application of pesticides. The major advantage of this method is that it can be applied quickly to a given site according to need. It is about the only method a farmer can manipulate and rely on for immediate results.