Biological control agents or Beneficials are natural enemies or competitors of crop pests. They do not harm your crop and they may occur naturally in and around your farm. Some biological control agents are bred in commercial insectaries and can be purchased and released into crops to control specific pests. All beneficials need to be recognised and encouraged on your farm and in your greenhouse. This web page details the key biological control agents that are commercially available in Australia. As part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program , biological controls can significantly reduce the need for toxic pesticides. The web page also discusses biorationals, which are substances used to control pests (or diseases) with very limited or no affect on non-target organisms. Information relevant to the management of Western flower thrips (WFT), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and other Thrips and Tospoviruses is included in this item.