How does pesticide resistance impact pest management?

Pesticide resistance significantly impacts pest management by making pesticides less effective over time. When pests are repeatedly exposed to the same pesticide, some individuals may develop resistance due to genetic mutations. As a result, these resistant populations can survive and reproduce, leading to a scenario where the pesticides no longer control the pest effectively.

This resistance necessitates the use of more frequent applications and often higher doses of pesticides to achieve the same level of pest control that was initially possible. Consequently, this not only increases the cost and labor involved in pest management but can also contribute to a higher risk of environmental impact and health concerns associated with increased pesticide use. This aspect highlights the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that utilize various control methods and rotate different classes of pesticides to mitigate resistance development.