Pollution and its consequences are the order of the day, and the number of causes that cause this phenomenon is increasing. This long list includes pesticides or herbicides that are used in agriculture or vegetation maintenance, among other uses, with effects on the environment and the health of all living beings that inhabit our planet. These are particularly dangerous plants and They have sufficient capacity to cause negative effects on biodiversity, reducing or eliminating fauna or flora. These unwanted effects also influence water quality and human health. For example, frequent and uncontrolled use can increase the concentration of these chemicals in the water and make it unsuitable for consumption by living beings.
With the aim of continuing to advance in its commitment to the environment, BIOPARC Fuengirola addresses possible pests that may affect the park's vegetation through biological control of these, making use of certain insect species as unique as the two-spotted ladybug (two-pointed adalia), the pirate bug (anthocoris nemoralis) or the common ladybug (cyptolaemmus montrouzieri) to combat them.
Zoos and aquariums are particularly challenging, as they are an ideal spot where pests can affect plants. In a green spot like BIOPARC Fuengirola, they have food, water, shelter and ideal temperatures for their development. To prevent this from affecting both visitors and the more than 200 species that inhabit this Malaga animal park, This has a complete Gardening department that manages pests so that they do not become harmful to the environment and, of course, guaranteeing the protection of animals.
As indicated from, agrocareers, specialist pest control company that externally supports the park for these tasks, “first the state of the pest population in the park is observed and known, and depending on this, the climatic conditions that occur and the different plant species . From now on, We turn to the insects that benefit pest control. "Pests that are not completely eradicated, so that in this way the beneficial insect does not die either and can carry out its mission."
To fulfill their function, these small populations of insects are distributed in specific areas of the park, arranged in small biodegradable boxes attached alternately to the branches of bushes and trees. In this way, ladybugs and pirate bugs begin their work: feeding on those pests that affect the vegetation.
Reduction of the use of phytosanitary products harmful to health
The importance of developing biological control techniques such as those used in BIOPARC Fuengirola are essential not only for avoid negative effects on the health of animals, but also contribute to the increase of biodiversity. “With these techniques we reform the work of native auxiliary insects, which have suffered a decline in their populations due to the fragmentation of their habitats,” explains Mercedes Giner, responsible for integrated pest management at this support company.
“These releases constitute a basic tool for integrated pest management since, for example, when spring arrives, the reproductive explosion of pest insects is more immediate and rapid than that of their natural enemies. These require a certain response period until the necessary biological balance is achieved, inoculating predators and commercial parasitoids in time. Through this biological control we shorten this compensation period and greatly reduce phytosanitary problems.”
The main objective of Foundation It is 'changing behaviors' so that we understand the need to conserve the environment. This initiative emphasizes this change of attitude in our daily lives, directed towards sustainable consumption that respects the planet.
