Biological control generally refers to the use of “beneficial” organisms to manage the populations of pest organisms. For example, the release of certain predatory insects will aid in the management of their prey, pest insects.

Through this research project, we seek to realize the full potential of biological control in the urban landscape. How can beneficial organisms be released to maximize the management of pests? How often? What plants are ideal for attracting native beneficial organisms and how might this impact plant selection? How might plant scent/smell play a role in attracting beneficial insects? These are all questions that we seek to answer centered on this research theme.