What does "resistance" refer to in pest control?

In pest control, "resistance" refers to the ability of pests to survive exposure to previously effective pesticides. This phenomenon occurs when pests evolve over time due to selective pressure from pesticide usage. As some individuals in a pest population have genetic traits that enable them to endure pesticide treatment, these resistant individuals survive and reproduce, leading to a population that is increasingly difficult to control with the same chemical.

Resistance is a significant concern in pest management because it can render commonly used pesticides ineffective, prompting the need for the development of new chemicals or alternative control methods. Understanding resistance is crucial for integrated pest management strategies, as it encourages the use of rotation, combinations of different pesticide modes of action, and non-chemical control methods to effectively manage pest populations without accelerating resistance development.