What is typically the outcome when susceptible pests are exposed to repeated pesticide applications?

When susceptible pests are exposed to repeated pesticide applications, they may adapt and develop resistance. This phenomenon occurs as the pests that survive initial applications may carry genetic traits that enable them to withstand the chemical effects of the pesticides. Over time, with continuous exposure, these traits become more common in the population due to the death of less resilient individuals. As a result, the population shifts towards those individuals that are resistant, leading to a reduced effectiveness of the pesticide and complicating pest management strategies.

Understanding this concept is crucial for pest control professionals, as it emphasizes the importance of integrated pest management approaches, including rotating different classes of pesticides, incorporating non-chemical control methods, and monitoring pest populations to mitigate resistance development. This proactive strategy helps maintain the efficacy of pest control measures and manages pest populations sustainably.