What does "pesticide resistance" refer to?

"Pesticide resistance" refers to the ability of pests to survive exposure to a pesticide that was previously effective against them. This phenomenon occurs when a pest population undergoes genetic changes over time, leading to a situation where certain individuals within that population develop traits that allow them to withstand the effects of the pesticide.

As a result, these resistant pests can reproduce, passing their resistance traits on to future generations. This can lead to a significant challenge in pest management, as the initial effectiveness of a pesticide diminishes, requiring the use of larger quantities or alternative control methods. Understanding pesticide resistance is critical for developing effective pest management strategies and for making informed decisions about pesticide use to minimize resistance development.

In contrast, the decline of pest populations due to effective pesticides reflects the intended outcome of using these chemicals, while the inability of pests to survive after exposure and the complete eradication of pest species do not capture the ongoing adaptations pests may experience in response to chemical control methods.