When are commercially available biological control agents typically not recommended?

Commercially available biological control agents are typically not recommended when immediate pest control is necessary. This is primarily because biological control agents, such as beneficial insects or pathogens, often require time to establish themselves and effectively reduce pest populations. Unlike chemical control methods that can provide quick results, biological agents may take days to weeks to show noticeable effects. In situations where rapid pest management is needed, relying on biological methods could lead to inadequate control and prolonged pest issues.

Other scenarios, such as low pest populations or a preference for organic options, might still allow for the use of biological agents, even if they won't provide instant results. Similarly, the presence of non-native pests can complicate the choice of biological control, but it does not inherently preclude the use of biological control agents. Therefore, the need for immediate results makes biological control a less viable option in those urgent circumstances.