BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN CITIES: INTEGRATING BENEFICIAL INSECTS FOR SUSTAINABLE PEST MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Current urban pest management uses a total calendar-based synthetic insecticide micro-application, which raises concerns about environmental sustainability, pesticide resistance development, and human health risks. Using non-pesticide approaches, including integrated pest management (IPM), which combines monitoring, action thresholds, and selective use of biological control agents, provides a more sustainable option; however, examples from urban areas in low- and middle-income countries are scarce. A novel approach was tested for integrating beneficial insects into municipal pest management programs in University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, between April and September 2025 as part of a cluster randomized controlled trial in 20 residential blocks. Ten blocks received periodic release of Coccinellidae, Chrysopidae, and Aphidiinae, in addition to preferential insecticide applications when and only when economic thresholds were exceeded. At the same time, ten control blocks received the municipality's routine spraying schedule. We quantified pest abundance, plant damage, chemical sprays, biodiversity of resident arthropods, complaints by residents, and program costs. We found a 34% reduction in mean monthly counts of pests on the intervention blocks compared with controls, significantly lower plant damage, 43% fewer sprays, and a higher Shannon diversity index. The reduction in pest-related complaints from residents has led to an increase in public satisfaction, as evidenced by fewer local grievances. At the same time, program costs were slightly elevated in the intervention blocks, primarily due to insect releases. Decreased pesticide and labor costs partly compensated for these costs. In summary, the use of beneficial insects for urban pest management was ecologically sound, socially appropriate, and economically affordable. It demonstrated a scalable model for affordable pest management in habitats in a developing country context.