Final answer:
The statement about the use of natural predators for insect pest control being true is supported by evidence suggesting significant reductions in pest populations, economic savings, and environmental benefits. Biological control practices incorporating diverse predators and habitats lessen the reliance on harmful pesticides and improve agricultural sustainability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that natural predators control insect pests, reducing the need for expensive pesticides, which may harm people and other living things, is True. Natural predators, including bacteria, viruses, invertebrates, and vertebrates such as birds, provide biological control of pests, diminishing the requirement for chemical interventions and their associated negative impacts on health and the environment. For instance, avian predation of insect herbivores leads to significant reductions in plant damage, which has substantial economic value. Additionally, initiatives like the rearing of parasitic wasps for the Beijing Olympics demonstrate the effectiveness of biological control methods in managing pests. Natural enemies of pests ultimately contribute to significant savings (at least US $54 billion per year), increased crop yields, and environmental health. Conversely, pesticides are not only costly but also become less effective over time as pests adapt, besides potentially causing harm to non-target species and human health.
Promoting landscape diversity and preserving natural predator habitats like hedgerows and forests can enhance the ability of natural enemies to control pest populations. The commercialization of biocontrol products and the integration of these practices into major agricultural commodities affirm the successful application and benefits of biocontrol systems. While not all biological control projects are successful and some may affect non-target species, a well-planned and targeted approach can significantly mitigate pest problems without the adverse effects of chemical pesticides.