What is the disadvantages of biological control?

Question

What is the disadvantages of biological control?

Answer 1

Biological control is rarely totally successful, it should only be used as part of any management program (if at all - prevention is better than cure) and cannot usually be relied upon as a complete solution. There are only a handful of examples of totally successful bio-control a good number of examples of poor results and many mediocre. In short the main disadvantages are:

- the ecological risks due to the potential for unforseen environmental damage resulting from to the introduction of exotic organisms.

- the need for more than one control mechanism.

- the need for extensive testing and research.